New Delhi, December 7, 2025 – In a vibrant celebration of India’s rich and diverse cultural legacy, the Red Fort complex in Delhi came alive on Sunday evening as the inaugural ceremony of a key UNESCO meeting on safeguarding intangible heritage commenced. From thematic galleries to performing arts, India presented its living cultural traditions to delegates from across the globe, underscoring the country’s commitment to preserving and promoting its intangible heritage.

The event, hosted for the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, marks the first time India is chairing this UNESCO panel session, which will take place at the Red Fort from December 8 to 13, 2025. The session will review nominations submitted by state parties for inscription on the UNESCO ICH lists, assess the status of existing elements, and facilitate international cooperation and assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

Distinguished Guests and Warm Welcome

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. He was joined by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma, who will chair the session.

Upon arrival, dignitaries were welcomed with traditional Mysuru headgear and ceremonial scarves, reflecting the vibrancy of India’s cultural traditions. The open spaces of the historic Red Fort resonated with performances of iconic dance forms such as bhangra from Punjab, bihu from Assam, and various tribal dances, providing delegates a glimpse of the country’s diverse performing arts.

Exhibition of India’s Cultural Diversity

Galleries mounted in the British-era barracks by institutions including the National Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art displayed India’s intangible cultural heritage in a visually compelling form. Tableaux highlighted elements already inscribed on UNESCO’s ICH list, such as Durga Puja of Kolkata and the Garba dance of Gujarat, allowing delegates to experience the country’s living traditions firsthand.

Union Minister Shekhawat reflected on the historical significance of the Red Fort, noting that it “has been an iconic witness to the continuity of life in India.” Hosting the UNESCO session, he said, was “not just a matter of pride, but a reminder that cultural ethics echo through India’s rich past,” describing the event as a “gateway to a dialogue for civilizations.”

Ambassador Vishal Sharma emphasized the communal essence of heritage, stating, “Communities are the heartbeats of heritage,” highlighting the pivotal role local communities play in sustaining cultural practices.

Deepavali Nomination and International Recognition

A key highlight of the session will be India’s nomination of Deepavali, the festival of lights, which will be examined during the UNESCO meet on December 10. Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal expressed optimism regarding the nomination, noting that the dossier, submitted in 2023 as part of the 2024-25 cycle, is expected to achieve a positive outcome.

Currently, India boasts 15 elements inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba dance, yoga, the tradition of Vedic chanting, and Ramlila– the traditional enactment of the Ramayana. The Red Fort exhibition further showcases the depth and diversity of India’s intangible heritage, highlighting how rituals, festivals, music, dance, and craftsmanship remain living expressions of culture.

Event Logistics and Global Participation

In preparation for the UNESCO session, the Red Fort complex has been closed to general visitors from December 5-14, 2025. More than 1,000 delegates from 190 countries are expected to attend, providing an opportunity for India to demonstrate its leadership in cultural preservation and international heritage collaboration.

Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the palace fort of his capital, Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a centrally-protected monument. The historic site, coupled with the contemporary showcase of India’s living traditions, served as an evocative backdrop for the event, bridging centuries of history with the present-day cultural narrative.

Significance of Intangible Heritage

The meet underscores the importance of intangible heritage, which includes languages, traditions, music, craftsmanship, rituals, and performing arts. Unlike physical monuments, these cultural expressions are dynamic, community-owned, and sustained through practice, making them a truly democratic expression of culture. The UNESCO session provides a platform for member states to discuss methods of safeguarding such heritage, exchange best practices, and extend international support to vulnerable cultural elements.

As India hosts this landmark session, the event not only celebrates the country’s diverse cultural identity but also reinforces its commitment to the global agenda of cultural preservation, ensuring that the living heritage of India continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.