US EditionDeepavali Gets Global Recognition; Enters UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Deepavali's inscription recognizes its rituals and social significance amid concerns over globalization; India now has 16 intangible cultural heritage elements, UNESCO said.
- On Dec 10, 2025, UNESCO added Deepavali to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th ICH Committee session at New Delhi's Red Fort.
- The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage provides the framework for inscriptions, while the UNESCO definition includes practices communities view as cultural identity, Vishal V Sharma said.
- Based on the lunar calendar, Deepavali is a multi-day light festival marking the last harvest and a new year, with communities and individuals across India cleaning, decorating, lighting lamps, and offering prayers.
- Government programmes will include a grand Diwali-like celebration at Dilli Haat on Wednesday, December 10, attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her Cabinet.
- By hosting the ICH session for the first time, India now has 15 elements on UNESCO's Representative List, including the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba, yoga and Navroz .
36 Articles
36 Articles
Deepavali gets global recognition; enters UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Deepavali (Diwali) has been added at the 16th spot in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage, being held at Red Fort in New Delhi.
Times of India
The Economic TimesDeepavali enters UNESCO heritage list, giving India's festival of light a global status
Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking a significant global recognition for the widely celebrated Indian tradition. This inscription reinforces India's cultural footprint as it hosts the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee session in Delhi, highlighting the importance of safeguarding living traditions.
Recognition of Cultural, Spiritual Significance: EAM Hails Addition of Deepavali to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday hailed the inscription of Diwali to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. World News | Recognition of Cultural, Spiritual Significance: EAM Hails Addition of Deepavali to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
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