Answer:

Recently, Gujarat's famous Garba dance has been officially recognized by UNESCO and added to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage(ICH) of Humanity. This lively dance is the 15th cultural treasure from India to be honored by UNESCO, following Kolkata's Durga Puja in 2021.

UNESCO  Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) refers to traditions, knowledge, skills, and expressions passed down from generation to generation, encompassing practices like rituals, music, dance, oral traditions, and craftsmanship. It highlights the importance of preserving and promoting these living cultural elements for their significance in fostering diversity and shared human heritage.

The UNESCO convention has two important lists for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

• Representative List: This list displays the rich diversity of ICH worldwide, helping people understand its value and importance.
• Urgent Safeguarding List: This list points out ICH that is at risk, urging quick actions to protect and preserve it for the future.

Salient features of Garba

• Represents the Circle of Life: The dance revolves around a central clay lantern, serving as a symbol for the universal womb, representing the origin of humanity and the fertility of the earth. The dancers, forming a ring and moving around the lantern, symbolize the continuous cycle of life—from birth to death and the subsequent rebirth.

• Reverence to Goddess Amba: Garba is often performed as a devotional dance to honor Goddess Amba or Shakti, a form of the divine feminine. The dance reflects a spiritual and celebratory connection to the goddess.

• Colorful Attire: Participants wear colorful traditional attire, including chaniya cholis (women's attire) and kediyu-dhoti or kurta-pajama (men's attire). The vibrant costumes add to the festive atmosphere.

• Rhythmic Clapping: A key element of Garba is the rhythmic clapping of hands, known as "Hastak." The synchronized clapping enhances the musicality of the dance and creates an energetic ambiance.

• Dandiya Raas: In addition to Garba, Dandiya Raas is often performed during the same festivals. It involves using small, decorated sticks called dandiyas, adding an element of playfulness and coordination to the dance.

• Festive Occasions: Garba is prominently performed during Navratri, a major Hindu festival that spans nine nights, dedicated to Goddess Durga. 

• Inclusivity and Community Participation: Garba encourages community participation, breaking barriers of age and skill.

Therefore, the inclusion of Gujarat's Garba dance in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list is not just a recognition of a vibrant folk tradition but a celebration of the rich tapestry of human culture.Garba stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of traditions that connect communities, transcend generations, and contribute to the collective mosaic of global heritage. Through its acknowledgment, UNESCO not only honors the cultural diversity of Gujarat but also reinforces the universal significance of safeguarding and appreciating the intangible threads that weave our shared human identity.