Intangible cultural heritage means living traditions passed down through generations: oral traditions, performing arts, rituals and festivals, knowledge of nature, and craftsmanship. UNESCO's 2003 Convention created the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, decided each year by an Intergovernmental Committee. India's entries began in 2008 and include dances, festivals, chants, a craft tradition and yoga.
Key facts
- The 2003 Convention was adopted 17 October 2003 in Paris and came into force 20 April 2006.
- Two lists exist: the Representative List and the Urgent Safeguarding List; an Intergovernmental Committee decides each year, usually in December.
- Yoga (2016) and the Kumbh Mela are among India's entries; Nawrouz is a multinational entry shared with several countries.
- The 20th Committee session (December 2025) was held at the Red Fort, New Delhi, the first hosted by India.
Latest
India has 16 elements on the Representative List counting the multinational Nawrouz (2024); the newest is Deepavali, inscribed on 10 December 2025 at the New Delhi session; before it came Garba of Gujarat (2023) and Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021).
Why exams ask about it
The newest Indian entry, the year of each inscription and the state of each element are asked every year.