New Delhi, December 10 (ANI) — UNESCO has inscribed Deepavali (Diwali) on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the listing “a joyous moment,” noting on X that Deepavali, the festival of lights marking the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, is celebrated around the world and has now been added to UNESCO’s list.
UNESCO’s description highlights Deepavali as an annual light festival observed by diverse communities across India. Tied to the lunar calendar, it falls on the new moon in October or November and unfolds over several days. The organisation noted the festival celebrates the last harvest of the year and the start of a new season and year, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Typical practices include cleaning and decorating homes and public spaces, lighting oil lamps and candles, setting off fireworks, and offering prayers for prosperity and new beginnings.
Several Indian cultural traditions are already inscribed on UNESCO’s representative lists, including Ramlila (2008), the Thatheras brass and copper craft of Jandiala Guru, Punjab (2014), Yoga (2016), Kumbh Mela (2017), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Garba from Gujarat (2023) and Navroz (2024).
UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as the practices, expressions, knowledge, objects and spaces communities recognize as part of their cultural identity. Passed down through generations, this living heritage evolves over time and helps reinforce identity while promoting respect for cultural diversity.
To protect such traditions, UNESCO adopted the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on October 17, 2003, at its 32nd General Conference in Paris. The convention was created in response to concerns that oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, knowledge systems and craftsmanship were increasingly threatened by globalization, social change and resource constraints.
India is hosting UNESCO’s 20th Committee session on the Intangible Cultural Heritage from December 8–13 for the first time, with the historic Red Fort complex selected as the venue. India’s permanent delegate to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, will chair the meeting, which coincides with the twentieth anniversary of India’s ratification of the 2003 Convention in 2005 and underscores the country’s commitment to safeguarding living cultural traditions.
