UNESCO adds Hindu festival Deepavali to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its session at Delhi’s Red Fort

The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) on 10th December announced that Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, have been added to the Unesco List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Deepavali was one of the several new inscriptions to the list announced by the global body.

“BREAKING New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!” Unesco posted on X.

Hailing the decision, PM Narendra Modi said that “People in India and around the world are thrilled.” He posted on X, “For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further. May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity.”

The announcement came during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, hosted in India at the historic Red Fort.  This brings India’s total entries on the list to 16, joining other traditions like Yoga, Durga Puja, and Garba.

The inscription was adopted in the presence of Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat along with the senior officials of Ministry of Culture and delegates from 194 Member States, international experts, and representatives of UNESCO’s global network.

Addressing the event, the minister stated that the inscription marks a moment of immense pride for India and for communities across the world who keep alive the timeless spirit of Deepavali. He noted that the festival embodies the universal message of “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya” the transition from darkness to light, symbolising hope, renewal, and harmony. Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that Deepavali thrives through the contributions of millions including potters crafting traditional diyas, artisans preparing festive decor, farmers, sweet makers, priests, and households that uphold age-old customs. The recognition, the Minister noted, is a tribute to the collective cultural labour that sustains this tradition.

Deepavali was nominated for the inscription through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and it followed an extensive nationwide consultation. UNESCO’s inscription acknowledges Deepavali as a living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, reinforces values of generosity and wellbeing, and contributes meaningfully to several Sustainable Development Goals, including livelihood enhancement, gender equality, cultural education and community welfare, the ministry said in a statement.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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