Gujarat’s Garba Takes Center Stage: UNESCO Officially Recognizes Vibrant Dance Form as Intangible Cultural Heritage

Gandhinagar : In a momentous ceremony held in Paris on March 22nd, 2024, the vibrant dance form of Garba was officially recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This prestigious status follows Garba’s inscription on the esteemed list in December 2023.

Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, took to social media to share this news, expressing immense pride for both Gujarat and India. The certificate of recognition was bestowed upon Gujarat by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in the presence of State Ministers Harsh Sanghavi and Praful Pansheriya.

“A moment of joy and pride for entire India, including Gujarat,” declared CM Patel. “Gujarat’s cultural pride, Garba, was awarded a certificate by UNESCO, declaring it an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage.'”

This recognition marks a significant milestone for Indian culture. With Garba’s inscription, India now boasts a total of 15 cultural treasures on UNESCO’s prestigious list, encompassing festivals, fairs, traditions, and regional dances.

The Chief Minister further acknowledged the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a devoted worshiper of Adyashakti, in promoting Gujarat’s cultural heritage on a global platform.  “Since his time as Gujarat’s Chief Minister,” Patel stated, “Shri Modi has championed showcasing our cultural heritage to the world.  His guidance and innovative initiatives, such as the vibrant Navratri festival, have propelled Garba into the global spotlight, making it the longest-running folk festival internationally.”

The recognition of Garba by UNESCO is a testament to the success of the Prime Minister’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development Alongside Heritage). This prestigious recognition ensures the continuation and appreciation of this cherished cultural icon for generations to come.