Safeguarding intangible heritage of Prayagraj: agenda for policymakers and stakeholders

Abstract

Since the adoption of the UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in 2003, how to give an impetus to this ‘new awareness’ regarding identifying and safeguarding ICH has been the favourite talk at various international platforms concerned with heritage conservation. The world has acknowledged the importance of safeguarding ICH, and deliberations have followed on finding universally approved strategies for its identification, preservation and promotion. In India, the situation is as complex and challenging as the societies in it. As a case study, my present paper deals with how intangible heritage is constructed and adds to the identity of a city, which we will attempt to understand with the case study of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Prayagraj, its documentation and agenda for stakeholders.