E-Paper
Sign In
Mon, Jan 12, 2026 | Rajab 23, 1447 | Fajr 05:44 | DXB 
22.3°C
iPhone | iPad
Android
Arabic bisht, zaffa inscribed on Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Unesco has added a new set of traditional practices and festivals from across cultures to their intangible heritage list, including India's Diwali
Bisht, a traditional men's cloak worn in Arab countries during special occasions, and the zaffa (wedding march) have been inscribed on the Unesco's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Unesco has added a new set of traditional practices and festivals from across cultures to their two intangible heritage lists, including those from the UAE, India, Pakistan, Phillippines and Bangladesh.
What are bisht and zaffa?
Recommended For You
The bisht (men's Abaa) is an outer garment worn during occasions such as births, weddings, funerals, ceremonies and festivals. The long garment, which is worn over regular clothes, is draped over the shoulders, wrapped across the chest and held on one side, leaving the right hand free for greetings, Unesco described on their official website.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
It is worn in countries including UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Syria, Unesco said. The style varies according to the region, season and time of day, and the garment is made from natural materials such as wool and camel or goat hair.
The zaffa, which is also on the same list, is a vibrant bridal procession that marks a couple's transition from single to married life, involving rituals, music, dance and a festive gathering. It is a part of traditional weddings in UAE, Djibouti, Comoros, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania and Somalia.
The bride undergoes cleansing rituals and applies henna. Special clothes, jewellery and other adornments are prepared for both the bride and groom. During the ceremony, symbolic acts are performed to protect the couple and bless their union. These vary according to practising communities and may include drinking milk, cracking an egg or wearing a relative’s cape.
Other inclusions to intangible heritage list
Deepavali (India)
Also known as Diwali, it is a light festival celebrated annually by diverse individuals and communities across India, that marks the last harvest of the year and the start of a new year and new season.
Based on the lunar calendar, it falls on the new moon in October or November and lasts several days. It is a joyous occasion that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During this time, people clean and decorate their homes and public spaces, light lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and offer prayers for prosperity and new beginnings.
Traditional saree weaving art of Tangail (Bangladesh)
The saree of Tangail is a traditional handwoven fabric, characteristic of the Basak and Jhola communities, respectively composed by Hindus and Muslims. It is made from cotton, silk or jute using a special weaving technique.
Tangail sarees are characterized by their fine texture, detailed designs and local patterns, making each piece a work of art that reflects local social and cultural practices. The sarees hold strong cultural value and are often worn during major festivals, weddings and celebrations.
Men generally lead the main weaving process, including designing, dyeing the yarn and crafting the fabric using the traditional handloom. Women assist by making thread with a traditional wheel, applying rice starch, and adding the final touches. Other family members, including youth, help by preparing the fabric for finishing.
More additions to 'Need of Urgent Safeguarding' list
They also revaled new additions to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding:
Asin Tibuok (Philippines)
Asin tibuok, or whole salt, is a traditional type of sea salt made through a long and careful process amongst the Boholano of Bohol Island. The final product looks like a white egg inside a brown shell. It is handmade using natural materials and traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
The salt-making process starts with collecting coconut husks, which are soaked in seawater for months. These husks are then dried, burned and mixed with seawater to create brine. The brine is boiled in clay pots until the salt is formed. The salt is then cooled and collected. Making asin tibuok is a physically demanding process that is usually done by men, though women are involved too, especially in cooking, cleaning and making the pots.
Boreendo, Bhorindo (Pakistan)
The boreendo, or bhorindo, is a traditional musical instrument that is deeply rooted in village life and nature amongst the Thari community. It has a hollow, spherical shape with sound holes, and is made of clay that is sun dried and kiln fired.
It is played by men, while women are involved in decorating the instrument with clay paint. The boreendo produces sound when air is blown into it, and its tone can be adjusted by tilting the mouthpiece. Its size affects its sound, and recent changes include extra holes to widen its musical range.
Don’t just scroll. Know it all. Sign up for your daily UAE news fix.
Get the top stories of the day right in your inbox.
