Unveiling the Fascinating 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage of India
India is a country that boasts of a rich cultural heritage that spans across different domains. The richness and diversity of its culture are reflected in its art, music, cuisine, and traditions. India’s culture has a lot to offer, and that is why it is a preferred destination for many tourists across the globe. One aspect of India’s cultural heritage that deserves mention is its intangible cultural heritage. Intangible cultural heritage refers to the practices, traditions, and expressions that are transmitted from one generation to another. In this article, we will be exploring the fascinating 14 intangible cultural heritage of India.
Koodiyattam
Koodiyattam is a form of traditional Indian theatre that originated in Kerala. It is one of the oldest forms of theatre in the world and has been in practice for over 2000 years. It is a highly stylized form of theatre that combines music, dance, and drama. Koodiyattam is performed by a troupe of actors who undergo rigorous training in this art form. The performances are usually based on ancient Sanskrit texts and are highly appreciated for their aesthetic and cultural value.
Noushad Memorial Orchestra
The Noushad Memorial Orchestra is a unique form of music that originated in the southern state of Kerala. It is named after the legendary musician, Noushad Ali, who was a pioneer in this field. The orchestra comprises of a group of musicians who play a variety of instruments, including the harmonium, tabla, violin and flute. The music is mainly based on Malayalam poetry and is renowned for its soulful rendition.
Bihu
Bihu is a traditional folk dance that originated in Assam. It is performed to celebrate the arrival of spring and the onset of the harvesting season. The dance is characterized by swift movements and colourful attire. It is usually performed by a group of men and women who come together to celebrate this joyous occasion.
Yoga
Yoga originated in ancient India and has gained widespread recognition across the world for its health benefits. Yoga is a holistic approach to wellness that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and soul. It consists of a series of postures and breathing techniques that help to strengthen the body and calm the mind.
Chhau Dance
Chhau dance is a traditional dance form that is practised in the eastern states of India, mainly West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand. It is a highly stylized form of dance that is characterised by acrobatic movements and colourful masks. The dance form is usually performed during religious festivals and is considered a form of worship.
Kathakali
Kathakali is a form of dance-drama that originated in Kerala. It is a traditional art form that combines dance, music, and acting. The performances are usually based on ancient Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The art form is distinguished by its elaborate costumes and intricate makeup.
Warli Painting
Warli painting is a traditional form of art that originated in Maharashtra. It is a tribal art form that is characterised by its simplistic style and use of earthy colours. The paintings usually depict scenes from daily life, nature and mythology. Warli painting has gained international recognition for its unique style and cultural value.
Qawwali
Qawwali is a form of devotional music that originated in the Indian subcontinent and is practised by Muslims. It is a highly emotive and expressive form of music that is characterised by its powerful vocals and percussion instruments. The music is usually based on the poetry of Sufi saints and is known for its spiritual and uplifting qualities.
Chitrakathi
Chitrakathi is a traditional form of storytelling that originated in Maharashtra. It is a visual art form that combines storytelling with vivid illustrations. The stories are usually based on Hindu mythology and are narrated using colourful paintings. Chitrakathi is a dying art form, and efforts are being made to preserve it for future generations.
Kalamkari
Kalamkari is a traditional form of textile art that originated in several parts of India, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It involves hand-painting or block-printing on cotton or silk fabric using natural dyes. The art form is known for its intricate designs and is often used to make sarees, bedspreads, and other textiles.
Manipuri Dance
Manipuri dance is a classical dance form that originated in Manipur. It is a form of dance that is characterised by its fluid movements and graceful postures. The dance form is usually performed to depict stories from Hindu mythology and is accompanied by manipuri instruments such as the pung or the kartal.
Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai Falls is a natural wonder that is located in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. It is the tallest plunge waterfall in India and is surrounded by lush green forests. The waterfall is a popular tourist destination and is known for its breathtaking beauty.
Baul
Baul is a form of music that originated in Bengal. It is a traditional form of music that is practised by the Baul community. The music is characterised by its simple melody and spiritual lyrics. Baul music has gained popularity across the world for its soulful rendition.
Chakma Embroidery
Chakma embroidery is a form of textile art that originated in the Chakma community of Tripura. It involves hand-embroidery on cotton or silk fabric using colourful threads. The art form is known for its intricate designs and is often used to make sarees, bedspreads, and other textiles.
Conclusion
India’s cultural heritage is indeed vast and diverse. The 14 intangible cultural heritage practices mentioned above are just a few examples of the rich and varied traditions practised in different parts of India. Preserving these traditions for future generations is essential to maintain the cultural identity of the country. It is also an opportunity to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
