Deepavali, the festival celebrated throughout India with lamps, colours, and traditions, has been formally added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement has given India great pride, as the event now stands with major cultural symbols such as Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia, and Egypt. UNESCO released the update, describing it as a new and meaningful addition to the list.
The decision was made during the current session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which India is hosting at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Festival of light, Diwali has long been recognised as one of India’s cherished celebrations, and this recognition highlights its deep cultural significance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement, stating that Deepavali symbolises illumination, virtue, and the spiritual essence of Indian civilisation. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that the honour carries a responsibility for preserving the festival’s culture for future generations. Ambassador Vishal V Sharma will chair the 2025 session of the ICH, highlighting India’s expanding role in global cultural preservation.
