Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision, stating it would increase the festival’s global recognition.
Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO List
The festival joins cultural symbols from several other countries on the list, including Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
“New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!,” UNESCO announced in a tweet on Wednesday.
India is currently hosting a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival in India. The decision was made during a key UNESCO meeting held at the Red Fort in Delhi.
India Welcomes UNESCO Recognition
India’s Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the festival holds deep emotional significance for Indians and has been passed down through generations.
“This UNESCO tag also a responsibility; we must ensure Deepavali remains living heritage,” Shekhawat said, according to the PTI news agency.
Prime Minister Modi also stated, “People in India and around the world are thrilled. 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.”
Vishal V Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO, is chairing the 2025 session on the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
The 20th session of the panel is underway from December 8 to 13 at the Red Fort.
Countries Represented on Heritage List
- Iceland’s Swimming pool culture
- The Compas of Haiti
- Ghana’s highlife music and dance
- Georgian wheat culture
- Ethiopia’s Gifaataa, Wolaita people New Year festival
- ElSalvador’s Confraternity of flowers and palms
- Egypt’s Koshary, daily life dish
- Czechia’s amateur theatre acting
- Cyprus’s Commandaria wine
- Cuba’s practice of Cuban Son
- Yemen’s Hadrami Dan gathering
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