Photo Credits : CCTV
New Delhi, December 10, 2025: Deepavali, India's iconic Festival of Lights (also known as Diwali), has achieved a major global milestone by being officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition was announced during the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, which is currently being hosted in New Delhi at the historic Red Fort.
The inscription of Deepavali makes it the 16th element from India to be featured on this prestigious global list, which aims to protect and promote 'living expressions' passed down through generations.
Why This UNESCO Recognition is Important
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) noted that the festival strengthens social bonds, promotes inclusivity, and embodies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The five-day festival is celebrated across India and globally by various communities, marking new beginnings and seeking prosperity. It is a time for cleaning and decorating homes with diyas (lamps), exchanging sweets, and performing rituals.
The move is expected to bring increased global awareness and support for the traditions and communities that keep this festival alive. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the honour as a responsibility, stating, "We must ensure Deepavali remains a living heritage," and that it celebrates the "universal message... hope over despair."
Celebration and Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the addition, calling it a "thrilling" moment and stating that Deepavali is "the soul of our civilisation" and personifies illumination and righteousness. The announcement was met with cheers from delegates at the Red Fort meeting.
The nomination dossier for Deepavali was submitted for the 2024-25 cycle, prepared through extensive consultation with artisans, practitioners, and cultural groups across the country. The inscription on the Intangible Heritage list is a testament to the festival's deep-rooted cultural significance—from the legend of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
This latest inclusion joins other Indian traditions on the list, such as the Garba dance of Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), and the Kumbh Mela (2017).
The hosting of the 20th session of the UNESCO committee in India for the first time underlines the nation’s growing commitment to safeguarding its cultural inheritance. The recognition is anticipated to boost local economies associated with the festival, such as potters and traditional sweet-makers. Future efforts will focus on documenting the diverse regional practices of Deepavali to ensure the tradition is transmitted to the next generation sustainably.