In a landmark recognition of India’s cultural legacy, UNESCO has inscribed Deepavali—the Festival of Lights—onto its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made during the ongoing 20th and 22nd sessions of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), both hosted for the first time by India at Delhi’s historic Red Fort. 

The nomination received overwhelming support, leading to celebrations across the venue as delegates chanted national slogans. With this inclusion, Deepavali joins India’s growing list of globally acknowledged cultural practices, reinforcing the festival’s significance as a living tradition shared across communities, regions, and faiths.

Key Takeaways: Deepavali’s UNESCO Inscription and Its Global Cultural Significance

• Deepavali has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List during sessions hosted in New Delhi.
  
• India hosted the 20th and 22nd ICH Committee sessions for the first time from December 8 to 13 at the Red Fort.
  
• UNESCO examined 67 nominations from nearly 80 countries before selecting Deepavali for inscription.
  
• World leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcomed the decision, calling Deepavali the soul of India’s civilisation.
  
• Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the festival as an emotion, a lived philosophy, and a collective cultural heritage.
  
• Delhi government organised Diwali-like celebrations, mass diya-lighting, exhibitions, and illumination across the capital.
  
• The Indian diaspora’s contributions across Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean were acknowledged for carrying the tradition globally.
  
• Deepavali now joins India’s recognised cultural elements such as Durga Puja, Garba, Kumbh Mela, Yoga, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, and Kutiyattam.
  
• UNESCO emphasised that intangible heritage represents living traditions, community identity, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
  
• India sees the recognition as a boost to cultural diplomacy, soft power, and global cultural leadership.
  

UNESCO’s Announcement: A Milestone Moment for India’s Cultural Heritage

UNESCO confirmed the inscription through its official X handle, stating: “New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!”

The announcement was met with emotional celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort, where delegates, dignitaries, and cultural representatives broke into chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” reflecting the pride and significance of the moment for India.

This is one of the most far-reaching global recognitions for an Indian festival, marking Deepavali as a cultural practice whose values transcend borders, communities, and generations.

India Hosts the UNESCO ICH Committee for the First Time

The 20th and 22nd sessions of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage were held at the 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort, symbolising India’s cultural depth and historical continuity. Over 1,000 delegates from more than 180 countries, including UNESCO officials, experts, NGOs, and practitioners, participated in the proceedings.

The committee reviewed dozens of global nominations, cultural safeguarding reports, and proposals for international assistance. India utilised the platform to showcase its community-based safeguarding efforts, traditional arts, and diverse cultural expressions.

Reactions from National Leadership: Deepavali as India’s Living Soul

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the decision, calling it a proud moment for every Indian. He described Deepavali as a festival deeply linked to India’s culture, ethos, and civilisational identity. According to him, the inscription will further elevate Deepavali’s global appeal and strengthen its universal message of illumination and righteousness.

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat echoed similar sentiments, declaring the recognition historic. He emphasised that Deepavali is not just a festival but a lived experience—shaped by potters crafting diyas, artisans designing decorations, sweet makers preparing traditional offerings, farmers supporting rituals, priests conducting ceremonies, and families preserving customs.

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He also highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora, whose celebrations across continents have strengthened cultural bridges and contributed to the global recognition of Deepavali.

Delhi Transforms into a Festival Hub for UNESCO Delegates

To mark the historic occasion, the Delhi government undertook extensive preparations to recreate the aura of Deepavali across the city.
Major initiatives included:

• Illumination of government buildings
  
• Decorative lighting across public spaces
  
• Placement of diyas at key locations
  
• Cultural programmes in various districts
  
• Exhibitions and craft showcases at the Red Fort
  
• A large Diwali celebration at Dilli Haat attended by the Chief Minister and Cabinet
  

Officials described Delhi as the “most symbolic venue” for hosting the global event, tracing the city’s heritage from ancient Indraprastha to its modern identity as a democratic capital.

Deepavali’s Cultural Depth: A Festival Beyond Borders

UNESCO noted that Deepavali embodies universal values such as hope, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. It also highlighted the artistic traditions connected to the festival, including rangoli making, diya crafting, festive foods, and community rituals performed across faiths—Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.

By recognising Deepavali, UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to preserving living traditions that shape community identity and intergenerational continuity.

What UNESCO Means by Intangible Cultural Heritage

According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage consists of:

• Oral traditions
  
• Performing arts
  
• Rituals and festivals
  
• Community knowledge linked to nature and the universe
  
• Traditional craftsmanship
  

These practices must be traditional yet adaptable, inclusive, community-based, and representative. Their value lies not in the physical form but in the skills, meanings, and identities passed from one generation to the next.

UNESCO emphasises that safeguarding such heritage strengthens social cohesion, fosters mutual respect, and protects cultural diversity in a rapidly globalising world.

India’s Expanding Presence on the Global Cultural Map

With Deepavali’s inclusion, India adds another jewel to its portfolio of globally recognised cultural practices. The list now includes:

• Durga Puja
  
• Garba
  
• Kumbh Mela
  
• Yoga
  
• Vedic chanting
  
• Ramlila
  
• Ramman
  
• Kutiyattam
  

This growing list reflects India’s commitment to preserving its living traditions and promoting them on the world stage.

A Defining Moment for India’s Cultural Future

Deepavali’s inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List marks a profound milestone in India’s cultural journey. It reinforces the festival’s role as a living heritage—sustained by artisans, families, communities, and the global Indian diaspora. 

As India continues to expand its presence in global cultural diplomacy, this recognition strengthens its voice, showcases its diversity, and inspires future generations to cherish and preserve their cultural identity.

FAQs on Deepavali’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status

1. Why was Deepavali added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List?

Deepavali was added for its cultural significance, community traditions, artistic practices, and universal message of hope, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.

2. When and where was Deepavali’s UNESCO inscription announced?

UNESCO announced Deepavali’s inscription during the ICH Committee sessions held from December 8 to 13 at Delhi’s Red Fort.

3. What does UNESCO’s recognition mean for Deepavali?

The recognition safeguards Deepavali as a living tradition, promotes global awareness, and preserves its cultural identity for future generations.

4. How did Indian leaders react to Deepavali’s UNESCO listing?

Prime Minister Modi and Culture Minister Shekhawat welcomed the honour, calling it a proud milestone reflecting India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

5. How many Indian elements are now on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List?

With Deepavali’s inclusion, India now has 15 officially inscribed intangible cultural heritage elements celebrated globally.