New Delhi: In a historic recognition of India’s cultural legacy, Deepavali, popularly known as Diwali, has been inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement came on Wednesday as the Indian capital hosts the ongoing 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the iconic Red Fort, bringing together over 1,000 delegates from more than 180 countries for the six-day deliberations.

Describing the festival, UNESCO highlighted its rich cultural significance: “Deepavali is a light festival celebrated annually by diverse individuals and communities across India, marking the last harvest of the year and the start of a new year and season. Based on the lunar calendar, it falls on the new moon in October or November and lasts several days. It is a joyous occasion that symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During this time, people clean and decorate their homes and public spaces, light lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and offer prayers for prosperity and new beginnings.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the inscription as a moment of collective pride for the nation, emphasizing the festival’s central place in Indian culture and ethos. “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,” Modi said.

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the recognition as “a historic day for India,” underlining the universal values reflected in the festival: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all. Government officials have curated a range of programmes and cultural presentations to coincide with the ongoing session. Delhi is set to showcase Deepavali through lighting rituals, traditional performances, and exhibitions of arts and crafts associated with the festival. According to Delhi’s cultural minister Kapil Mishra, key government buildings and public spaces will be adorned with decorative installations, diyas will illuminate the Red Fort, and Diwali markets will spring up across the city to mark the celebrations.

The UNESCO committee session, which began on December 8 and continues until December 13, has attracted committee members, experts, accredited NGOs, and practitioners from over 180 countries. The meeting was formally inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who highlighted India’s cultural heritage as a “democratic expression of culture,” collectively owned and transmitted across generations. Jaishankar encouraged participating nations to intensify efforts to safeguard their intangible heritage as part of the shared pursuit of peace, understanding, and cultural diversity.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries including Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and India’s delegate to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma. The event provided a platform to highlight the significance of Deepavali, reflecting its pan-Indian character and the deep connection the festival holds with Indian communities across the globe.

The nomination of Deepavali to UNESCO’s list was coordinated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which undertook extensive consultations, collecting inputs from communities, written and audiovisual testimonials, and expert advice from scholars, practitioners, poets, and cultural historians. This collaborative approach ensured that the nomination represented the festival’s inclusive and diverse practices across India, capturing the essence of its spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions.

UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as the practices, knowledge, expressions, objects, and spaces that communities recognize as part of their cultural identity. Passed down from generation to generation, this heritage evolves over time, reinforcing a sense of belonging while fostering respect for cultural diversity. Deepavali’s inscription on this list not only celebrates its traditional rituals but also underlines its role in promoting values such as social cohesion, cultural continuity, and community participation.

With this addition, India now boasts 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list, which includes globally recognized practices such as Yoga, Vedic chanting, the Kumbh Mela, Garba, Ramlila, and Durga Puja in West Bengal. The country has also submitted a nomination for Bihar’s Chhath Puja for consideration in the next evaluation cycle.

The ongoing Delhi session of UNESCO marks a pivotal moment in India’s cultural diplomacy, underscoring the nation’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting its diverse intangible heritage on the global stage. By highlighting Deepavali’s traditions, rituals, and universal messages of light, hope, and unity, the session not only honors India’s rich cultural tapestry but also inspires the international community to recognize and preserve the intangible heritage that sustains human creativity and social cohesion.

The celebration in the capital is planned to be both ceremonial and experiential, providing delegates and the public a chance to engage directly with the festival’s cultural elements. From elaborate diya arrangements at historic monuments to interactive workshops and craft demonstrations, the event aims to convey the vibrancy, depth, and communal spirit of Deepavali. Authorities emphasized that the exhibitions and performances have been designed to showcase not just the ritualistic aspects but also the festival’s relevance in contemporary society, including its role in fostering community ties, promoting ethical values, and inspiring creativity.

As Deepavali gains global recognition, the inscription is expected to boost awareness and appreciation of the festival internationally, strengthening its appeal among the Indian diaspora and global audiences. By formally acknowledging the festival as part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage, UNESCO has reinforced the notion that intangible heritage is a living, dynamic force that transcends geographic, linguistic, and social boundaries.

India’s achievement in securing Deepavali’s place on the list demonstrates the country’s proactive engagement with global cultural bodies and its capability to leverage heritage diplomacy for cultural promotion. For millions celebrating the festival in India and abroad, this recognition is a testament to the enduring significance of Deepavali as a symbol of light, knowledge, and the triumph of good over evil—a festival that resonates with the values of humanity while continuing to illuminate homes, hearts, and public spaces across generations.