Unesco heritage tag for Kodavas?

BANGALORE: The world-famous Dasara celebrations in Mysore, Kodava culture in Kodagu, Bahubali Mahamastabhisheka in Shravanabelagola, Yakshagana of coastal Karnataka, Soliga tribes of Biligiri Rangaiah Hills and leather puppetry of Bellary -- all these may soon become part of UNESCO's heritage list.

The state government has forwarded these to the Centre to be placed before UNESCO under `Intangible Cultural Heritage Scheme'. While UNESCO has included monuments and cultural heritage sites, this time it has taken an initiative to recognize intangible heritage.

"The six events are our festivals, practices, culture and dances. These have the rich tradition of heritage and I hope that all six will qualify,'' said B R Jayaramaraje Urs, secretary, Kannada and culture department.

The state government has provided detailed documentation and CDs explaining the importance and heritage of the chosen six. It took the help of Jyothi Hosaagrahara, professor in University of Columbia, experts in UNESCO projects and noted historian Suryanath Kamath to document the proposed subjects.

UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world, considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.