The vibrant beats of Gujarat’s Garba resonated through New York City’s iconic Times Square as Indian-Americans came together to celebrate its inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
Braving near-freezing temperatures, members of the Indian diaspora from the New York tri-state area gathered in large numbers to showcase the traditional Gujarati dance on Thursday evening. Clad in traditional Garba attire, men and women danced amidst the dazzling billboards of Times Square, attracting the attention of onlookers and passersby, with some even joining the lively celebration.
The celebration marked the recognition of ‘Garba of Gujarat’ by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during its session in Botswana. With this, Garba becomes India’s 15th inscription on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, adding to the country’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Addressing the gathered community, Acting Consul General of India in New York, Dr. Varun Jeph, hailed the occasion as a historic moment, celebrating not just Garba but India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. He emphasized that the festivities in Times Square embodied unity and harmony, echoing the rhythm of Garba across the globe.
The event, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-NE (FIA) and supported by the Consulate General of India in New York, displayed a special video on Garba prominently on a Times Square billboard. FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya expressed gratitude to UNESCO for acknowledging Garba, emphasizing its significance during India’s festival of Navratri.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the UNESCO recognition of Garba, highlighting its essence as a celebration of life and unity. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage for future generations, inspired by the global acknowledgment of Garba’s beauty and significance.
The celebration at Times Square signifies not just the recognition of a cultural tradition but also symbolizes the unity and vibrant cultural tapestry of the Indian diaspora on the world stage.
Sources By Agencies
