Karnataka - Mysore   

Mahamastakabhisheka, Dasara mooted for ICH list

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Status sought: Mysore Dasara, which has been documented by artists (above) will be proposed for the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status.

MYSORE: The State Government will seek the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) status for Mysore Dasara, Mahamastakabhisheka, Yakshagana, Kodava culture and traditional practices of the tribal people of B.R. Hills from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for global recognition for cultural practices.

The intangible cultural sites refer to oral traditions, performing arts, social practices and festive events and traditional craftsmanship. This is a more recent attempt by UNESCO to safeguard cultural practices to conserve them for posterity.

UNESCO had listed 90 cultural representatives from different countries as intangible heritage of humanity and this includes the tradition of Vedic chanting, Ramlila performance and the Koodiyattam theatre of Kerala.

The Union Government had directed the State Governments to identify a list of such practices that could be submitted for nominations for inscription on the “Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage”.

Following the directive, the State Government identified Mysore Dasara, Yakshagana and Mahamastakabhisheka and would make a presentation before the UNESCO representatives at a meeting scheduled in New Delhi later this month. R. Gopal, Director, Archaeology and Museums, Government of Karnataka, would make a presentation of Dasara. .

Both Mysore Dasara and the Mahamastakabhisheka elagola will be submitted for nominations under social practices, rituals and festive events..

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