NEW DELHI: The iconic Red Fort, located in the heart of Delhi, will host the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage from December 8 to 13. The event is expected to bring together over 1,000 delegates from more than 185 countries, with the inaugural ceremony scheduled for Sunday.
Despite the recent blast near the historic monument on November 10, the government is determined to showcase India’s resilience and send a powerful message of cultural unity from this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Red Fort will feature an array of cultural exhibits, including galleries showcasing art, history, and artifacts, along with stalls from various states to present the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Performances will also take place throughout the week, bringing India’s story to life. Following the meeting, the Ministry of Culture plans to keep these cultural exhibits and galleries open for public viewing until Republic Day on January 26.
This meeting represents an important platform for cultural diplomacy and the promotion of India’s soft power on the global stage. One of its key highlights will be the formal consideration of Diwali for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list. If successful, this will be a significant step in securing global recognition for the festival, following the inclusion of other Indian traditions such as Durga Puja in Kolkata, Kumbh Mela, Buddhist chanting of Ladakh, Yoga, Nawrouz, and Gujarat’s Garba.
India currently has 15 elements listed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Culture Minister Gajendra Shekhawat shared that the idea of hosting this important meeting at the Red Fort came to him during a site visit to review the monument’s maintenance. He felt that the venue would be the perfect backdrop for a global discussion on intangible heritage. “It was a challenging decision, but the team at the ministry worked tirelessly. Despite recent setbacks, including the blast near the site, we’ve prepared three new galleries and are ready to welcome the dignitaries,” he said.
The session will examine nominations for inscription on the UNESCO ICH list, review the status of existing elements, and discuss strategies for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage worldwide.
