Deepavali has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee, held at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The inscription was adopted on Wednesday in the presence of Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Ministry of Culture officials, international experts, and delegates from 194 member states.
Addressing the gathering, Shekhawat said the recognition is a moment of pride for India and for communities worldwide that observe the festival. He noted that Deepavali reflects the message of moving from darkness to light and emphasized the festival’s people-driven character. He highlighted the roles of potters, artisans, farmers, sweet makers, priests and households whose participation sustains its traditions. The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora in taking Deepavali celebrations across continents.
The Ministry of Culture stated that the inscription comes with a responsibility to safeguard and transmit this heritage. It said the festival embodies unity, renewal and social cohesion and is marked by diverse practices such as lighting diyas, making rangoli, traditional crafts, rituals, and community gatherings. The nomination, prepared by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, involved extensive consultations with practitioners, artisans, agrarian communities, diaspora groups, individuals with special needs, transgender communities and cultural organisations.
UNESCO confirmed the development in a post on X, announcing Deepavali as a new inscription on the Intangible Heritage List. UNESCO noted that Deepavali strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, promotes wellbeing and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, including livelihood support, gender equality and cultural education.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement, saying people in India and abroad were delighted by the recognition.
In reply to the UNESCO post, PM Modi said, “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.”
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan also said the inscription was a moment of pride for Indians and highlighted Deepavali’s role in promoting unity and its message of the triumph of light over darkness.
“Delighted to note UNESCO’s inscription of Deepavali on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This global recognition is a profound moment of pride for every Indian. Deepavali is not just a festival, it is a civilisational phenomenon that unites the nation and resonates across the world. It embodies India’s multiculturalism, pluralism, and social unity, while carrying a timeless message of hope, harmony, and the triumph of light over darkness and Dharma over Adharma. My warm congratulations to all fellow countrymen on this recognition, which celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring message for humanity,” said Radhakrishnan.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the listing acknowledges the festival’s cultural and spiritual significance and its ability to bring people together.
“Glad to learn of the inscription of ‘Deepavali’ in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a recognition of the festival’s immense cultural, religious and spiritual significance and of its role in bringing people together,” said Jaishankar.
Shekhawat called it a historic day and noted that India’s cultural heritage has been receiving increased recognition in recent years.
“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. Jai Hind,” said Shekhawat.
The Ministry of Culture said that the inscription will further promote global awareness about India’s intangible cultural heritage and reinforce efforts to safeguard community-based traditions for future generations.
Deepavali was among 67 global nominations assessed during the week-long 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, being held at Delhi’s Red Fort from December 8 to 13. This marks the first time India is hosting a session of the UNESCO panel.
With Deepavali’s inclusion, India now has 16 elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Existing entries include the Kumbh Mela, Kolkata’s Durga Puja, Gujarat’s Garba, Yoga, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Ramman and Kutiyattam. The addition further strengthens India’s cultural presence on the global stage.
(With IANS inputs)
