Diwali added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

● The festival of Deepavali, popularly known as Diwali and celebrated as the festival of lights has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

● This significant announcement was made during the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee being held at New Delhi’s historic Red Fort from December 8 to 13, 2025.

● Diwali becomes the 16th cultural element from India to be recognized by UNESCO under Intangible Cultural Heritage list, joining traditions like Garba from Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Yoga (2016) etc.

● The inscription highlights the Diwali festival’s rich cultural significance, living traditions and its role in promoting values such as light overcoming darkness and the triumph of righteousness over evil.

● Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the inclusion, stating that Deepavali is deeply intertwined with India’s culture and ethos, representing the soul of its civilization. He emphasized that the festival’s rituals of lighting oil lamps, fireworks and communal feasting emphasize social unity, emotional well being and healthy living.

● This UNESCO recognition not only honors the millions who celebrate Deepavali but also pays tribute to the artisans who sustain its traditions and the timeless values it represents. It serves as a testament that India’s cultural heritage is not just preserved in memory but actively lived, cherished and passed on through generations.

● Delhi Government marked Diwali’s UNESCO listing with vibrant citywide celebrations led by CM Rekha Gupta. CM Gupta and ministers lit diyas at Dilli Haat, calling it a “golden Chapter” in India’s heritage.

About UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and India

● UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as living expressions passed from one generation to another, evolving with environments and fostering identity and continuity. This encompasses oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge of nature and the universe, and traditional craft skills.

● In 2003, UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage which was entered into force in 2006.

● It comprises 24 members and is elected in the General Assembly of the Convention according to the principles of equitable geographical representation and rotation. Members of the Committee are elected for a term of four years.

● India has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for the 2022-2026 cycle. Before this, India served as a member of the ICH Committee twice from 2006 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2018.

● The Ministry of Culture has appointed the Sangeet Natak Akademi, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture as the nodal office for matters relating to the intangible cultural heritage including for the preparation of the nomination dossiers for the Representative List of UNESCO.

● India first had its cultural elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. That year saw the addition of three traditions: the Tradition of Vedic Chanting, Kuttiyattam and Ramlila.