'High chance of Lai Haraoba finding slot in UNESCO list'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 05 2025: Lai Haraoba has been listed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India-national inventory and there is possibility of selecting the same cultural element of Manipur for inclusion in the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in the 2026-2027 season, stated film maker Aribam Syam Sharma.

Aribam Syam is a member of the Preparatory Committee formed by the Art & Culture Department for inclusion of Lai Haraoba in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

Addressing media persons at the Art & Culture office at Palace Compound on Tuesday, Syam Sharma said relevant stakeholders and experts have been working collectively for inclusion of Lai Haraoba in the ICH list of UNESCO after Sankirtana's inclusion in 2014 .

A Preparatory Committee with commissioner (art and culture) as chairperson was formed for taking up necessary steps culminating in the committee submitting relevant documents along with a 10-minute documentary on Lai Haraoba to the Sangeet Natak Akademi on October 14, 2024.Fortunately, all the process for inclusion of Lai Haraoba in the ICH list of UNESCO has been completed and Lai Haraoba figured among the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India-national inventory prepared by the Akademi.

A total of 54 cultural elements from different parts of the country figured in the list with Lai Haraoba listed at serial number 50.Rath Ya-tra is also on the list at 54th, Syam said adding that listing Lai Haraoba in the national inventory could be considered as a significant progress towards achieving the goal.

While reflecting on Union minister of Culture & Tourism Gajendra Singh Sekha-wat's written reply to MP Dr Bimol Akoijam's query in the Parliament regarding inclusion of Lai Haraoba in UNESCO's ICH, Syam Sharma said there is UNESCO's directive to nominate only one cultural element in a year and Union minister had clearly expressed that Deepavali had already been nominated for the year 2024-25 cycle.

However, there is high possibility of selecting Lai Haraoba for nomination in 2026-27 cycle if not this time, Syam Sharma said.

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