Cultural Policy

19. Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Registries and UNESCO Alignment

Written by Aria Kenangan • July 2, 2026

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Structural Mechanics

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), maintains the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in alignment with the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The program involves documenting, archiving, and supporting traditional cultural expressions, including oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, and craftsmanship, protecting them from cultural appropriation and neglect.

Data-Driven Metrics

  • UNESCO Inscription: India has 15 elements inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Vedic Chanting, and Chhau Dance.
  • Inventory Depth: The national inventory catalogs hundreds of unique cultural practices across diverse regional and linguistic groups, creating a standardized database for research.
  • Safeguarding Support: Safeguarding grants provide direct financial aid to endangered craft communities, helping transition traditional knowledge to younger apprentices.

Strategic Vector

The Ministry should create digital virtual-reality (VR) museums of national ICH elements, allowing global researchers to experience immersive documentations of endangered performing arts.