Efforts Underway to Include Myanmar’s Thanaka Culture in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Thanaka Culture

Yangon, The Gulf Observer: Efforts are in progress to inscribe the “Culture of Myanmar’s Thanaka” on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, akin to the recognition of the Myanmar New Year Atar Thingyan festival. This initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Archaeology and National Museum.

The department is diligently working to submit the proposal by 31 March 2025. A Form Compilation Task Force convened from 15 to 17 January to prepare the nomination form (ICH-02).

Despite Myanmar’s rich heritage of intangible cultural practices, none have yet secured a place on UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The use of Thanaka, however, has been a cherished custom for over a thousand years, passed down through generations. It remains a prominent cultural symbol of Myanmar, preserved with great reverence.

The proposal to include Myanmar’s Thanaka on UNESCO’s list began in January 2020, as it fulfills the five criteria required for designation as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.