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UNESCO late last year added Arabic calligraphy, a key tradition in the Arab and Islamic worlds, to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It is nothing but the practice of handwriting and calligraphy based on the Arabic alphabet.

In total, 16 Muslim-majority countries, led by Saudi Arabia, presented the nomination to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, which announced the listing on Twitter.

In Arabic, this practice of calligraphy is called khatt. It is derived from the word line, 'design' or 'construction'. While most use Arabic calligraphy and Islamic calligraphy interchangeably, the two are not the same.

This listing by UNESCO is welcomed by conservationists as many have complained about the lack of people taking to Arabic calligraphy due to technological advancements. Researchers believe that the tag would contribute to developing this cultural heritage

What is intangible heritage?

It includes traditions or living expressions inherited from ancestors and passed on through generations. These may be in the form of performing arts, oral traditions, social practices, rituals, knowledge, festive events and crafts among others. Intangible cultural heritage plays an important role in maintaining cultural diversity in the times of globalisation.

As of 2021, 629 elements from 139 countries have been added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. These include, the Kumbh Mela, Yoga, Chhau dance, Kutiyattam, and Ramlila among others from India.

Picture Credit : Google

The UNESCO has accorded heritage status to Kolkata's Durga puja festival, bringing glory to the country. "Durga puja in Kolkata has just been inscribed on the intangible heritage list. Congratulations India," UNESCO said in a tweet attaching a photo of the goddess with hashtag living heritage.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed UNESCO's decision as a "matter of great pride and joy for every Indian", the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, called it a "proud moment for Bengal."

What makes Kolkata's Durga puja special? Well, according to the UNESCO, Durga Puja is seen as the best instance of the public interface of religion and art and as a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers. The festival is characterised by large-scale installations and pavilions in urban areas. During the event, the divides of class, religion and ethnicities collapse as crowds of spectators walk around to admire the installations.

Quick facts

• Durga puja is celebrated in the month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar (September October). The 10-day festival marks the worship of Goddess Durga. “It is the major annual festival in West Bengal, It is also celebrated in other parts of India and amongst the Bengali diaspora.” Months before the festival, artisanal workshops in Kolkata sculpt idols of Durga and her children using unfired clay from the river bed of Ganga.
• The festival marks its beginning on the day of Mahalaya when the ritual of 'pran pratistha' is done by painting the eyes on the goddess idol.
• Sasthi, Saptami, Ashtami...every day the festival has its own significance and set of rituals. The celebrations culminate on the tenth day known as Vijaya Dashami when the idols are immersed in the river from where the clay was sourced.
• The significance of Durga puja goes beyond religion and is revered as the celebration of compassion, brotherhood, humanity, art and culture.
• The city of Kolkata turns into a dazzling place with the decoration of colourful lights. The sound of 'dhaak' reverberates across the city. From new clothes to delicious food, the mood is one of cheer during these days.

Picture Credit : Google