Indian Americans perform Garba at Times Square to celebrate its inclusion in UNESCO cultural heritage list
The Hindu
Indian-American community celebrated the inclusion of 'Garba of Gujarat' in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list by performing the traditional Gujarati dance at iconic Times Square. Despite near-freezing temperatures, members of the diaspora from around the Tri-State area turned out in large numbers to perform Garba.
Times Square reverberated with the beats and music of ‘Garba’ as members of the Indian-American community performed the traditional Gujarati dance at the iconic New York City destination to celebrate its inclusion in UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.
Braving near-freezing temperatures late evening on December 7, members of the diaspora from around the New York Tri-State area, including New Jersey, turned out in large numbers to perform Garba in the heart of Times Square.
Earlier this week, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed ‘Garba of Gujarat’ on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 18th session in Kasane, Botswana. The inclusion of Garba now makes it India’s 15th inscription on the List.
Dressed in traditional Garba finery, men and women performed the traditional Gujarati dance surrounded by the flashing Times Square billboards as New Yorkers and tourists from around the world stopped to watch, take photos and videos and cheer the performance.
Some onlookers even joined the dance, trying to match the steps and the rhythm of Garba and the 'Dhol'.
Addressing the community at the Times Square celebration, Acting Consul General of India in New York Dr Varun Jeph said it is a “momentous and historic occasion as we celebrate Garba of Gujarat” and its inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
“These celebrations are not just celebrations of Garba but these are the celebrations of the diverse, vibrant and celebrated traditions, heritage and culture of India,” Mr. Jeph said, adding celebrating Garba at Times Square - the “crossroads of the world” - is indeed special and unparalleled.
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