‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session held in Paris, France from 13th to 18th December 2021.

The Ministry of Culture along with Sangeet Natak Akademi, the designated nodal agency for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), in collaboration with the National Museum and National Museum Institute,organized the celebration of the successful inscription of ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on the Representative List of ICH of Humanity in 2021.

On this occasion, a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on ICH was also inaugurated at National Museum on 27th & 28th August.

Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Tim Curtis, Secretary of UNESCO’s 2003 ICH Convention, Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, Ritu Sethi, ICH expert, Shikha Jain, Prof. Manvi Seth, National Museum Institute, Arvind Kumar, Director/ UNESCO, Ministry of Culture, Suman Kumar of Sangeet Natak Akademi, and officers from Ministry of External Affairs graced the occasion with their presence.

On the occasion, Secretary, Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Culture Heritage, UNESCO, Tim Curtis spoke about the developments in UNESCO’s 2003 ICH Convention. He stated that UNESCO will now accept ICH dossiers in the language of the practitioners, along with  English or French version for the evaluation. He added that non-formal education is something the UNESCO convention has been working on for four years. He also said that since safeguarding living heritage involves transmitting knowledge to the next generation, education becomes central to this process.

Eric Falt said, “I think, it is very important to bring together all of the stakeholders and different groups who are involved in such nominations, and,  this workshop, in particular, is a wonderful example of the way things should be done”.

Lily Pandeya, said, “ India is a member of almost all of the UNESCO Cultural Conventions and Programs. With 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 14 intangible cultural heritage elements inscribed on Representative List – the latest being Durga Puja of Kolkata, 9 documentary heritage elements recognized in the International Memory of the World Register, and 6 Creative Cities, India continues to strengthen the intercultural dialogue among nations.” She also added , “The 2-day Capacity Building National Workshop reflects  our commitment to further the 4 aims of UNESCO ICH convention”

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To celebrate the spirit of Durga puja, a mesmerizing dance ballet- Devi Rising was presented by the renowned Odissi dancer and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Sharmila Biswas and her troupe from Kolkata. It enthralled the audience and the guests with the depiction of Devi Durga or the feminine shakti through aesthetically conceptualized choreography, music, costumes, and theme.

A performance by Sharmila Biswas was followed by the screening of a short documentary film titled “Diverse expressions of Intangible India.”

The 2-day capacity-building workshop aims to launch a special series of workshops throughout India, to identify modalities of collaboration between the professionals and community stakeholders, to bring forth methodologies and principles in formulating community-based inventory, and to discuss safeguarding practices, the responsibility of the government and the community in the promotion, preservation, and safeguarding of the ICH elements.

The venue also exhibited some ICH-related stalls showcasing traditional craftsmanship from West Bengal like Pattachitra, and Kantha along with PuruliyaChhau masks and Nayagram wooden toys from other regions. This was accompanied by a display and presentation of Dhak and Dhunuchi Nritya to give a glimpse and context of the traditional way of celebration.

The event concluded with some insightful words by Tim Curtis on the successful inscription of ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ into the ICH list of Humanity as well as on the global perspective of ICH and its significance. He was felicitated with a ‘dokra’ idol of goddess Durga.

‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session  held in Paris, France from 13th to 18th December 2021. The Committee commended the inclusive nature of Durga Puja celebrations and for related initiatives involving marginalized groups, as well as women in their participation in safeguarding the element. It not only is a celebration of feminine divinity but is a consummate expression of dance, music, crafts, rituals, practices culinary and cultural aspects. The festival transcends the boundaries of caste, creed, and economic classes and joins the people together in its celebration. India now has 14 intangible cultural heritage elements on the prestigious UNESCO Representative List of ICH of Humanity.

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