New Delhi: Deepavali, one of India’s most celebrated festivals symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was adopted during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held this week at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. The inclusion marks a milestone moment for India and the global community that celebrates the festival across continents. The session, attended by delegates from 194 member states, international experts, and cultural representatives, witnessed the adoption of Deepavali’s inscription in the presence of Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and senior officials from the Ministry of Culture.
A Moment of Pride for India
Addressing the gathering, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the recognition as a “moment of immense pride for India”, emphasizing that the festival of Deepavali reflects the universal message of light triumphing over darkness and good prevailing over evil. He highlighted how the festival is deeply rooted in community participation, sustained by potters, artisans, farmers, sweet makers, priests, and households whose collective contributions uphold its timeless traditions. The minister also underlined the crucial role played by the Indian diaspora in spreading Deepavali’s spirit and cultural significance to global audiences. He stated that the festival’s inclusion in UNESCO’s list demonstrates how India’s cultural heritage continues to resonate with global values of unity, renewal, and shared humanity.
The Ministry of Culture noted that this global acknowledgment carries a responsibility to safeguard and transmit Deepavali’s heritage to future generations. The ministry described the festival as an embodiment of unity, renewal, and social cohesion, observed through diverse practices across India and beyond. These include lighting diyas, creating rangoli patterns, performing rituals, engaging in traditional crafts, and organizing community gatherings that bring people together irrespective of faith or background. The nomination dossier for Deepavali, prepared by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, involved extensive consultations with practitioners and communities. These consultations included artisans, agrarian groups, cultural organizations, transgender communities, individuals with disabilities, and diaspora associations, ensuring that the nomination reflected Deepavali’s inclusive and pluralistic nature. UNESCO confirmed the development in an official post on X (formerly Twitter), announcing that Deepavali has been added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The organization noted that the festival strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as livelihood support, gender equality, and cultural education. UNESCO’s statement emphasized that Deepavali promotes community well-being, reinforces intergenerational transmission of traditions, and enhances cross-cultural understanding. By including Deepavali in its prestigious list, UNESCO acknowledged the festival’s role in nurturing cultural diversity and mutual respect among global communities.
Prime Minister Modi’s Message of Gratitude
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed UNESCO’s announcement with a heartfelt message, saying that the recognition fills people across India and the world with joy. Replying to UNESCO’s post on X, Modi wrote,
“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.” The Prime Minister’s remarks echoed the sentiment that Deepavali is not merely a festival but a reflection of India’s civilizational spirit, rooted in values of compassion, harmony, and enlightenment.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan hailed the development as a “moment of pride for every Indian.” He described Deepavali as a “civilisational phenomenon” that unites people and promotes the message of hope and harmony. He remarked, “Deepavali is not just a festival; it embodies India’s multiculturalism, pluralism, and social unity, while carrying a timeless message of light over darkness and Dharma over Adharma.” Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed joy over the festival’s inclusion, calling it a “proud moment for India.” He said the recognition highlights the enduring relevance of India’s ancient cultural ethos in the modern world. “The festival of lights has inspired us since antiquity to believe in the victory of the good and the righteous. It is now profoundly heartening that it will now encourage global well-being,” Shah wrote. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined in celebrating the achievement, noting that the inscription recognizes Deepavali’s cultural and spiritual depth and its power to bring people together. “It is a recognition of the festival’s immense cultural, religious and spiritual significance and of its role in uniting communities,” he said.
Minister Shekhawat described the day as historic, adding that the inclusion reflects India’s growing cultural stature under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. “During this tenure, India’s cultural heritage has received unprecedented global recognition. This milestone strengthens that journey. It celebrates the universal message of hope over despair and harmony over division,” he said. The Ministry of Culture underscored that the listing would help raise international awareness about India’s intangible heritage and strengthen efforts to preserve community-based traditions for the future. The ministry also expressed gratitude to UNESCO and the communities that continue to nurture Deepavali’s legacy.
India Hosts UNESCO Session for the First Time
This year’s session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held at Delhi’s Red Fort from December 8 to 13, marks the first time India has hosted the prestigious UNESCO event. A total of 67 nominations were reviewed by the committee during the week-long session. Deepavali’s inscription adds to India’s growing list of elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage register, bringing the total to 16. India’s previous entries include the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Garba of Gujarat, Yoga, Vedic Chanting, Ramlila, Ramman, and Kutiyattam. Each of these elements represents India’s diverse cultural expressions that contribute to the world’s shared heritage. Deepavali’s recognition is not only symbolic but also instrumental in ensuring that its traditions continue to thrive amid modernization. Experts believe that UNESCO’s acknowledgment will strengthen cultural education, community engagement, and tourism, while promoting sustainable livelihoods for artisans and traditional workers involved in the festival’s ecosystem. The festival’s essence—lighting lamps, exchanging sweets, and celebrating togetherness—has transcended borders, making it one of the most widely observed cultural events in the world. From London to Kuala Lumpur, from Toronto to Trinidad, millions of people celebrate Deepavali each year, reaffirming its global cultural footprint. Cultural scholars note that the recognition underscores how intangible heritage—customs, rituals, crafts, and oral traditions—forms the living memory of humanity. Deepavali’s inclusion ensures that future generations understand and appreciate its message of light, hope, and renewal.
A New Chapter for Indian Heritage
With Deepavali joining UNESCO’s Representative List, India reaffirms its position as one of the world’s most vibrant cultural civilizations. The inclusion not only honors the artisans and communities who sustain the festival but also reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to protecting and promoting its intangible heritage. Cultural observers view this recognition as part of a broader effort to elevate India’s soft power diplomacy, where traditions serve as bridges between nations. The universal appeal of Deepavali—its message of goodness, generosity, and unity—transcends borders and faiths, aligning seamlessly with UNESCO’s vision of “building peace through cultural understanding.”
Deepavali’s addition to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a defining moment in India’s cultural journey. It validates centuries of tradition that continue to bind communities together through shared faith and festivity. The recognition also strengthens India’s global cultural identity, affirming that its ancient traditions remain relevant in a modern, interconnected world. As diyas illuminate homes across continents, the festival now shines even brighter on the world stage—a beacon of light, heritage, and humanity recognized by UNESCO.
