It’s not often that the eyes of the world turn to New Delhi for something beyond politics. But this week, something deeply meaningful is unfolding right here in our city. The UNESCO session on Intangible Cultural Heritage has officially opened in New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming the international committee to our capital.
Held at the prestigious Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, the atmosphere is reflective, celebratory, and humbling. For a city that is as rooted in tradition as it is eager for modernisation, this moment feels like a small celebration of balance. Delhiites, often rushing through daily chaos, may not always pause to appreciate the intangible treasures around them—oral traditions, crafts, festivals, and performing arts—that define us.
This session isn’t just a global stage for ancient knowledge systems or folk songs from distant lands. It’s a timely reminder that New Delhi is itself a living museum. From the qawwalis of Nizamuddin to Kathak classes in Mandi House to kite festivals fluttering over Dilli skies, our city is alive with heritage that cannot be put behind glass.
With New Delhi hosting this global council, there’s a beautiful opportunity for us locals to reconnect with our roots. We are the guardians of some of India’s richest intangible arts—how often do we acknowledge that while sipping coffee in CP or scrolling through our phones in Hauz Khas?
The hope is that this session will spark a deeper pride and protectiveness in us. Maybe more schools in Delhi will include traditional storytelling or folk music in their curriculum. Maybe our local markets and artisan fairs will see a few more curious visitors. Even small changes, like attending a local performance or buying handmade crafts from Dilli Haat, go a long way.
As the world talks intangible culture this week, Delhi doesn’t only get to host it—we get to live it. Let this be the week we look up from our busyness and realise the cultural wealth thriving all around us.
#NewDelhiHeritage #UNESCOInDelhi #CulturalCapital #DelhiTraditions #IntangibleDelhi
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