Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO ?
- (a) Chhau dance
- (b) Durga puja
- (c) Garba dance ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Kumbh mela
Why the answer is (c)
• India's entries on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity are dated: Chhau dance was inscribed in 2010, Kumbh Mela in 2017 and Durga Puja in Kolkata in 2021.
• Garba of Gujarat, the devotional circle dance performed during Navratri, was inscribed in December 2023 at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in Kasane, Botswana — the latest of the four, option (c).
• It became India's 15th element on the list.
• The nomination highlighted Garba's inclusivity across caste, gender and religion.
• Hence option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Chhau dance
- Chhau was inscribed in 2010.
- (b) Durga puja
- Durga Puja was inscribed in 2021.
- (d) Kumbh mela
- Kumbh Mela was inscribed in 2017.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.