Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced that it will collaborate with UNESCOto help preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of India, as part of a major new initiative meant to transform the travel landscape in the post pandemic world.
Together, IHCL and UNESCO will offer experiential tours for travellers at various IHCL hotels, so that they can experience the living heritage of the country better.
The first phase will include visits to local communities practicing art forms like Patachitra- a traditional scroll painting technique in West Bengal, Ganga Aarti - the prayer ceremony at DasashwamedhGhat at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Kalbelia performances, blue pottery making, Bagruhand block printing, and the Terracota art of Molela. Visitors will also be able to experience the unique tribal life of the Bishnoi village in Rajasthan, andMysuruDasara and Janpadalokain Karnataka.
Speaking on the occasion,Gaurav Pokhariyal, Senior Vice President & Global Head - Human Resources,IHCL, said, “Long been heralded as the custodians of Indian heritage, IHCL for over a century, has been providing sustainable platforms that preserve and promote local art and culture.
We are delighted to partner with UNESCO in this industry-first collaboration to work towards preserving India's intangible cultural heritage. Leveraging our business strengths, value chains and partner networks, IHCL hotels will work towards a holistic plan to safeguard the living heritage of the country while empowering local communities.”