Indore revives quest to secure UNESCO tag for Rang Panchami procession 'Ger'

After a lapse of two years the authorities in Indias cleanest city of Indore Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday will revive their quest to secure the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO tag for Ger the grand procession celebrated annually during Rang PanchmiThe initial petition for the inclusion of Ger in UNESCOs register was submitted in the year 2020 for the coveted designation of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of HumanityYet the endeavour was thwarted by the scourge of the COVID19 pandemicIf UNESCO considers Ger it will be included in the list of cultural practices traditions and expressions that have outstanding value to humanity and need to be safeguarded Durga Puja of Kolkata and Garba of Gujarat have already been inscribed in UNESCOs listThe fame of Indores Ger transcends boundaries a senior government official said adding that documents chronicling the rich history and cultural import of Ger would be compiled and a fresh entreaty would be dispatched to UNESCO urging recognition of this eminent tradition The first Ger was organised in a modest way some 75 years ago in the cityThough the original undertaking in 2020 met with disappointment renewed attempts were initiated in 2023 demonstrating unwavering resolveState Chief Minister Mohan Yadav himself will participate in the Ger festivities with his presence on Wednesday in Indore at Rajwada localityThe worldfamous traditional Ger to be held on Rang Panchami in Indore the cleanest city in the country will be taken out on Wednesday Nearly a million litre of water and thousands of kilos of gulaal will be thrown on the peopleThis time three Ger and one Phag Yatra will be taken out The Rajwada has been covered so that it does not get damaged due to colours From the organisers to the administration everyone has started preparations for the Ger The police have made security arrangements by dividing the area into sectorsrdquo the official said ldquoevery year the city observes a total HolidayEvery year on the occasion of Rang Panchami a kaleidoscopic mist of brilliant hues envelops the precincts of Indorersquos Rajwada Friends and strangers alike engage in spirited revelry casting vibrant powders upon one anotherOn Wednesday crimson emerald indigo and saffron will paint the heavens above Indore one of the citys most exuberant celebrationsHoli commences on the evening of the full moon during Phalguna a sacred month of the Hindu calendar which aligns with February or March The revelry begins with the ceremonial lighting of a bonfire the night before Holi an occasion called Holika Dahan Around the roaring flames devotees gather to sing dance and offer prayers commemorating the vanquishment of Holika a demoness of yoreWith this Ger celebration Holi the ancient Hindu festival a joyous ode to the arrival of spring comes to an endThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever