Gujarat’s Garba included in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List

The name Garba is derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha (womb), which implies life.

Traditionally, Garba is performed during the nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri. (Image: X/@UNESCO)

Garba on the UNESCO list: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed happiness over the inscription of Garba of Gujarat in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. The Prime Minister wrote on X: “Garba is a celebration of life, unity and our deep-rooted traditions. The inscription on the Intangible Heritage List shows the world the beauty of Indian culture. This honor inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congratulations on this global recognition.”

Garba is a celebration of life, unity and our deep-rooted traditions. The inscription on the Intangible Heritage List shows the world the beauty of Indian culture. This honor inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congratulations on this global… https://t.co/9kRkLZ1Igt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2023

Garba is a dance that originates from the state of Gujarat. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha (womb), which implies life. Many traditional garbas are performed around a centrally lit lamp or an image or statue of the Hindu goddess Shakti. Traditionally it is performed during the nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri.

Garba dance is performed in a circle as a symbol of the Hindu view of time.