In a landmark recognition, Deepavali—the festival of lights—has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is the 16th Indian tradition to receive the honour, joining the likes of Yoga and Durga Puja.
In a tweet on Wednesday, UNESCO said, “New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the step, saying it would add to the popularity of the festival globally.
The festival is a new inscription on the list, alongside cultural symbols from many other countries, like Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia and Egypt, among others.
“A historic day for India. Deepavali has been officially inscribed on the Unesco List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the tenure of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage is receiving unprecedented global recognition and this milestone strengthens that journey. This honour celebrates the universal message of our festival of lights: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all. My gratitude to Unesco and to every custodian of our timeless traditions,” said culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival in India. The inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list comes as part of a significant global review underway in New Delhi, where the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is being held from December 8 to 13 at the historic Red Fort.
This marks the first time India has hosted the prestigious UNESCO panel, which is tasked with evaluating cultural practices, traditions, and expressions from around the world for international recognition and protection.
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During the nearly week-long session, the committee is examining 67 nominations submitted by 79 countries, including India’s entry of the Deepavali festival.
In the same round of additions, UNESCO also inscribed “Georgian wheat culture: traditions and rituals” from Georgia, recognising the nation’s centuries-old agricultural heritage.
