In a landmark cultural achievement, Deepavali has been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, making it the 16th Indian tradition to receive this international honour. The festival now joins globally recognised Indian practices such as Yoga and Durga Puja, further strengthening the country’s cultural footprint on the world stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement, saying the recognition has delighted people across India and abroad. “For us, Deepavali is deeply connected with our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation, representing illumination and righteousness. Its inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will enhance the festival’s global appeal even further. May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram continue to guide humanity for eternity,” he said.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the inscription as a “historic day” for the nation. “During the tenure of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage has received unprecedented global acknowledgement. This honour reinforces our journey of safeguarding and celebrating timeless traditions. Deepavali’s universal message—hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all—resonates across cultures,” he noted.
The announcement comes amid a significant global review session underway in New Delhi, where India is hosting the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the iconic Red Fort from December 8 to 13. This is the first time India has hosted the prestigious UNESCO panel, which evaluates cultural practices and traditions for international recognition.
During the week-long session, the committee is reviewing 67 nominations from 79 countries, including India’s proposal for the Deepavali festival. These assessments form a key part of UNESCO’s mandate to protect cultural traditions of historical, artistic, and social significance, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
The diverse nominations—spanning festivals, rituals, farming practices, and traditional craftsmanship—reflect the expanding scope of UNESCO’s cultural heritage programme and the growing global commitment to safeguarding living cultural expressions.
