Deepavali enters UNESCO’s intangible heritage list

Deepavali, India’s festival of lights, was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The inscription was adopted in the presence of Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, senior officials, and delegates from 194 member states, international experts, and representatives of UNESCO’s global network, at an event held at the Red Fort here.

The announcement came during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee.

UNESCO’s inscription recognizes Deepavali as a living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, reinforces values of generosity and well-being, and contributes meaningfully to several Sustainable Development Goals, including livelihoods, gender equality, cultural education, and community welfare.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said people in India and around the world were thrilled at the UNESCO honour. “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,” he said in a post on X.