The National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), which includes eligible ICH elements received from States and Union Territories, is maintained centrally by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) under Ministry of Culture. The Inventory is updated on a regular basis based on the requisite documentation submitted by the States/UTs and other stakeholders including elements pertaining to marginalised, tribal and indigenous traditions, in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. The National Inventory of the ICH element is availble at https://www.sangeetnatak.gov.in/sections/ICH.

Under the Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme of the Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) of Ministry of Culture, the disciples are trained by veteran artists in various art forms including rare and vanishing art forms.

The monthly remuneration for Guru - Rs. 7,500/-, Accompanist - Rs. 3,750/- and Pupils - Rs. 1,500/- each for a period of six month to maximum 1 year for one art form. The names of the Gurus are recommended by the State Cultural Affairs Departments.

ZCCs ensure inter-generational transfer of knowledge by creating performance platforms for emerging artists, promoting participation of students & youth groups, engaging educational institutions and local communities. These efforts have proven effective in revitalizing endangered arts by increasing youth engagement, strengthening community pride and generating sustained public interest in traditional cultural expressions.

The nomination dossier of Chhath Mahaparv has been prepared by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (an autonomous body under Minsitry of Culture), the nodal agency for matters related to Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), with the active involvement of regional bodies and other stakeholders. The dossier has been submitted to UNESCO for inclusion in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for the 2026–27 cycle.

All the Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) set up by the Government of India implement a range of youth-oriented programmes that contribute significantly to the preservation of endangered art forms. These initiatives include organization of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavs (RSMs), cultural festivals and inter-state exchange programmes that expose youth to know about diverse traditional practices, workshops, training camps and craft demonstrations that equip them with hands-on skills in folk dance, music, theatre and crafts.

The Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) are engaged in digitally documenting their programmes, activities and performing arts. This includes recording and documenting endangered folk-art forms as well as printing books, reports and stories related to folklore and oral history.

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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M Annadurai

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