The “Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India”, which was operational during the period 2013–2016, was formulated with the objective of reinvigorating and revitalizing institutions, groups, individuals, identified non-Ministry of Culture institutions, non-governmental organizations, researchers, and scholars to undertake activities and projects aimed at the preservation, protection, promotion, and strengthening of India’s rich intangible cultural heritage. Reports submitted under the Scheme have been duly documented and are available on the dedicated ICH website: https://indiaich-sna.in/scheme-grantees.

A total of ten (10) Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) forms were formally recognized and supported under the Scheme. The details of the specific ICH forms that received official recognition and support are as follows:

S.No	Element	Geographical Region/Location
1	Kutiyattam	Kerala (Inscribed 2008)
2	Ramlila	Uttar Pradesh & other Hindi-speaking regions (Inscribed 2008)
3	Chhau Dance	Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal (Inscribed 2010)
4	Mudiyettu	Kerala (Inscribed 2010)
5	Sankirtana	Manipur (Inscribed 2013)
6	Sattriya	Assam (Part of National Inventory)
7	Qawwali	Pan-India/Delhi (Part of National Inventory)
8	Nautanki	North India – Uttar Pradesh, Haryana (Part of National Inventory)
9	Festival of Salhesh	Bihar (Part of National Inventory)
10	Dashavatar	Maharashtra, Goa (Part of National Inventory)

The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), as the nodal agency for safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) under the Ministry of Culture, undertakes a range of initiatives for training, awareness generation, documentation, and promotion of ICH across India. The Akademi conducts capacity-building workshops involving local communities, cultural practitioners, stakeholders, and students. These initiatives have resulted in a significant increase in requests from various regions for inclusion of elements in the National Inventory of ICH, which is maintained by the SNA with the approval of its Advisory Body.

In this context, the inclusion of Pandharpur Vari and Dashavatar: Traditional Folk Theatre in the National Inventory plays an important role in promoting the performing arts of Maharashtra. The documentation and archiving of these traditions contribute to wider dissemination, create valuable academic resources, and support preservation efforts. Additionally, the publication of journals, monographs, and other materials related to these elements furthers the safeguarding of endangered cultural practices. Public performances held as part of workshops and seminars also enhance awareness and appreciation among broader audiences.

Further, the Akademi undertakes regular documentation and digital archiving of performing arts and other ICH elements, especially those listed under the “Work in Progress” category. These efforts support both digital preservation and academic research, including higher studies in relevant disciplines. The Akademi also confers awards on artists to recognize and promote various ICH forms. Through its comprehensive publication programme—comprising journals, books, and monographs—the SNA continues to contribute meaningfully to both academic discourse and public engagement with Indian performing arts and intangible cultural heritage.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2153599)