National list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

About ICH

• The National ICH List is an attempt to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage.
• It aims to raise awareness about the various intangible cultural heritage elements from different states of India at national and international level and ensure their protection.
• This initiative is also a part of the Vision 2024 of the Ministry of Culture.
• Following UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, this list has been classified into five broad domains in which intangible cultural heritage is manifested:
  • Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage
  • Performing arts
  • Social practices, rituals and festive events
  • Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
  • Traditional craftsmanship
• The present items in the list have been collated from the projects sanctioned under the scheme for ‘Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India’ formulated by the Ministry of Culture in 2013.
• As of now the list has more than 100 elements, It also includes the 13 elements of India that have already been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage:

• The list was established in 2008 when the Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage came into effect. 
• UNESCO maintains three lists under its “Intangible Cultural Heritage” banner: the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding, the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity and the register of good safeguarding practices. 
• Some of the criteria for inclusion in the representative list are if the inscription of the element will ensure visibility and awareness of it and if the element has been nominated after having “the widest possible participation” of the community, group or individuals concerned and with their free, prior and informed consent.