Deepavali, India’s festival of lights, was on Wednesday inscribed on the UNESCO’s 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 the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee.
UNESCO’s inscription acknowledges 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 livelihood enhancement, 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.
Collective effort
Addressing the international delegates at the event, the Union Minister said the inscription marks a moment of immense pride for India and for communities across the world who keep alive the timeless spirit of Deepavali.
Highlighting the people-centric nature of the festival, he emphasised that Deepavali thrives through the contributions of millions, including potters crafting traditional ‘diyas’ (earthen lamps), artisans preparing festive decor, farmers, sweet-makers, priests, and households that uphold age-old customs. The recognition, the Minister noted, is a tribute to the collective cultural labour that sustains this tradition.
Mr. Shekhawat also acknowledged the vibrant role of the Indian diaspora, whose celebrations across Southeast Asia, Africa, the Gulf, Europe, and the Caribbean have carried the message of Deepavali across continents and strengthened cultural bridges.
