Question : RAMLILA UNDER UNESCO

(a) whether the Government is pitching for the inclusion of Ramlila under UNESCO’s programme of preservation and promotion of culture and heritage;

(b) if so, whether the Government is trying for inclusion of Ramlila under UNESCO’s programme;

(c) if so, whether the initial proposal for inclusion of Ramlila under UNESCO’s programme has been accepted by UNESCO; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Union Government to get listed Ramlila with UNESCO?

MINISTER OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)

(a) & (b) The candidature file entitled “Ramlila – the traditional performance of the Ramayana” has been submitted for consideration of UNESCO under the 3rd Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

(c) & (d) The proposal would be considered by UNESCO in the year 2005.