Deepavali Secures Place on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List; India Celebrates Global Recognition of Its Festival of Lights

Delhi: In a landmark moment for India’s cultural legacy, Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, has officially been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List. The announcement was made on Wednesday through UNESCO’s official X handle, marking a historic global recognition for one of India’s most cherished traditions.

The inclusion came after a week-long evaluation of 67 nominations from nearly 80 countries at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The session, being held from December 8 to 13 at Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, represents the first time India has hosted this prestigious UNESCO meeting.

Inside the beautifully illuminated Mughal-era monument, global delegates, cultural scholars, and government representatives are witnessing curated performances, traditional art showcases, and ceremonial lighting of diyas—turning the venue into a living celebration of India’s cultural richness.

To complement the global event, the Delhi government has been asked to transform the city into a festive canvas. Key buildings are being lit up, public spaces decorated with earthen lamps, and district-level cultural programmes organised—creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a city celebrating Diwali in full bloom.

In addition to Deepavali, Chhath Puja—a revered festival honouring the Sun God—has also been proposed for UNESCO’s Representative List. The Union Ministry of Culture has directed the Sangeet Natak Akademi to examine the proposal and take the next steps toward nomination.

India currently has 15 cultural elements recognised by UNESCO, including the Kumbh Mela, Garba of Gujarat, Kolkata’s Durga Puja, Yoga, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Ramman, and Kutiyattam. Deepavali’s inscription adds yet another crown jewel to India’s global cultural identity.