Sunday, Feb 25, 2024 11:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Feb 25, 2024 05:37 [IST]
India
currently boasts a total of 42 tangible heritage sites and 14 intangible
cultural heritage sites, with recent additions including Shantiniketan in West Bengal
and the Hoysala Temples in Karnataka. Among these, 34 are categorized as
cultural heritage sites, 7 as natural heritage sites, and one, the
Khangchendzonga National Park, as a mixed-type site. With this diverse array of
UNESCO-designated sites, India ranks sixth globally in terms of the number of
UNESCO World Heritage sites within its borders.
Assam
takes great pride in being home to Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife
Sanctuary, two of India's seven world natural heritage sites. However, despite
this natural accolade, the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Assam has yet
to find representation among the 34 tangible cultural heritage sites and 14
intangible cultural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. This article aims to
shed light on the need for stakeholders and the Government of Assam to explore
avenues for including its intangible cultural heritage on the UNESCO World
Heritage list.
UNESCO
has outlined ten criteria for the recognition of World Heritage Sites,
including factors such as human creative genius, cultural exchange, evidence of
cultural traditions, and significance in human history. Assam possesses a
wealth of intangible cultural heritage that reflects the vibrancy of its
communities, traditions, and cultural practices. Intangible cultural heritage
comprises living expressions inherited from ancestors, encompassing oral
traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festivals, and
knowledge about nature and the universe.
Any
heritage meeting at least one of the above criteria qualifies for global
recognition. The intangible cultural heritages listed below meet criteria
number 1 to 4, as mentioned above:
Bihu
Festival: Bihu, the renowned festival of Assam,
holds significant agricultural importance, marking seasonal transitions.
Celebrated three times a year—Rongali or Bohag Bihu (spring), Kongali or Kati
Bihu (autumn), and Bhogali or Magh Bihu (harvest)—it features vibrant dances,
traditional music, and festive performances.
Sattriya
Dance: Originating in the Vaishnavite
monasteries (sattras) of Assam, Sattriya is a classical dance characterized by
graceful movements and themes revolving around Lord Krishna's life, accompanied
by traditional music.
Bhaona:
A traditional form of Assamese theater, Bhaona is closely linked with Ankia
Naat, depicting religious and mythological narratives. It finds prominence
during religious festivals, particularly within the context of Vaishnavism.
Traditional
Music of the Assamese People: Assam boasts a rich
folk music heritage, including devotional songs like Borgeet, Goalpariya
Lokgeet, and Ojapali, deeply ingrained in the state's cultural tapestry.
Traditional
Crafts and Looms: Assam's traditional
crafts, including weaving, pottery, mask-making, and bamboo handicrafts, along
with prized silk varieties like Muga, Pat, and Eri silk, constitute an integral
part of its cultural identity.
Traditional
Cuisine: Assamese cuisine, featuring dishes like
Assamese curry, pitha (rice cake), tenga (sour fish curry), and bamboo shoot
preparations, forms a crucial component of the state's culinary heritage.
Additionally,
Assam's diverse community fabric brings forth a myriad of festivals and
rituals, including Durga Puja, Eid, Christmas, and others, which significantly
enrich the region's cultural mosaic.
The
inclusion of intangible cultural heritage on the UNESCO World Heritage List
brings forth several benefits. UNESCO recognition plays a crucial role in
preserving and protecting intangible cultural heritage, raising awareness about
the significance of these cultural activities, and encouraging communities to
safeguard their traditions for future generations. Intangible heritage often
embodies unique practices, languages, rituals, and traditions that underscore
the richness and diversity of human culture. Recognition by UNESCO further
bolsters the cultural identity and community pride associated with intangible
heritage, affirming the value of these cultural practices and traditions on an
international stage. Moreover, UNESCO recognition can stimulate tourism and
create economic opportunities.
UNESCO
recognition also amplifies global awareness regarding the importance of
intangible heritage preservation and promotion, advocating for the safeguarding
of cultural diversity and traditional knowledge. Furthermore, it aligns
intangible heritage with broader sustainable development objectives,
emphasizing the significance of cultural sustainability and its integration
into local, national, and international development initiatives.
In
summary, UNESCO's recognition of intangible cultural heritage aims to preserve,
promote, and celebrate the diverse cultural practices and traditions that
enrich the World Heritage landscape, fostering intercultural understanding, and
promoting sustainable development.
The
Brahmaputra River:
When discussing Assam,
it is impossible to overlook the Brahmaputra River, as it serves as the
lifeline of the region. The Brahmaputra
River, originating in Tibet and flowing through India's Assam region, holds
immense cultural significance. Unlike other rivers in India named in the
feminine gender, it is named in the masculine gender due to its Tibetan origin
and linguistic conventions. This unique naming reflects the diverse linguistic
and cultural influences on the river. Centrally important to Assam's cultural
heritage, the river inspires myths, legends, and spiritual practices among
indigenous communities. It supports the region's economy through agriculture
and transportation, while its rich biodiversity contributes to local identity.
The Brahmaputra also serves as a backdrop for cultural festivals, emphasizing
its role as a cultural lifeline for Assam.
(vidhukayastha@gmail.com)