On December 7, hundreds of Indians and Indian-Americans gathered at Times Square, to celebrate the inclusion of Garba on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List announced December 6. 2023.
The event was organized by the Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE, (FIA), along with support from a host of community organizations and the Consulate General of India New York, a press release from FIA said.
The folk dance Garba, for long a cultural and religious phenomenon in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, has become extremely popular in the Indian diaspora in countries like the UAE (Dubai), USA, UK, Australia, Canada and other places.
The latest announcement came during UNESCO’s 18th session in Kasane, Botswana.
The FIA said in its press release that it was “The leading organization for this initiative.”
Following the UNESCO announcement, the FIA sent out a call for people to gather in Times Square, and “Free transportation, complimentary refreshments and participation certificates” were provided for all performing attendees.
Many came in the traditional Garba attire, in vivid colors and designs, to make the event colorful, joyful, and vibrant.
In addition to the Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE, the event was made possible through the support and collaboration of a host of community organizations apart from the Consulate. They included GANA, BJANA, Siddhivinayak Temple USA, Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, Times Group, Aaj Tak, The Indian Panorama, EBC Radio, The South Asian Times, AUM Dance Academy, TV Asia, World BB TV, New India Abroad, The Indian Eye, Radio Zindagi, and Radio Dil.
Related posts:
Garba: A modern tradition with ancient roots
Garba of Gujarat added on UNESCO representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Hundreds of performers compete to dazzle at FIA’s 39th Dance Pe Chance
38th ‘Dance Pe Chance’: Federation of Indian Associations’ spectacular flagship event dazzles
