Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Deepavali, one of India’s most widely celebrated living traditions, has now been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, held at the Red Fort, New Delhi on Wednesday.
The inscription was adopted in the presence of Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Vivek Aggarwal Secretary, Ministry of Culture, along with the senior officials of Ministry of Culture and delegates from 194 Member States, international experts, and representatives of UNESCO’s global network.
Addressing the international delegates, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that the inscription marks a moment of immense pride for India and for communities across the world who keep alive the timeless spirit of Deepavali. Minister noted that the festival embodies the universal message of “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya” the transition from darkness to light, symbolising hope, renewal, and harmony.
Deepavali thrives through the contributions of millions
Highlighting the living and people-centric nature of the festival, the Union Minister emphasised that Deepavali thrives through the contributions of millions including potters crafting traditional diyas, artisans preparing festive decor, farmers, sweet makers, priests, and households that uphold age-old customs. The recognition, the Minister noted, is a tribute to the collective cultural labour that sustains this tradition.
Union Minister also acknowledged the vibrant role of the Indian diaspora, whose celebrations across Southeast Asia, Africa, the Gulf, Europe, and the Caribbean have carried the message of Deepavali across continents and strengthened cultural bridges.
The inscription brings with it a renewed responsibility to safeguard and transmit this heritage to future generations.
The nomination, prepared by the Ministry of Culture through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, followed an extensive nationwide consultation involving practitioners, artisans, agrarian communities, diaspora groups, individuals with special needs, transgender communities, cultural organisations, and tradition bearers from across India. Their collective testimonies highlighted Deepavali’s inclusive character, its community-led continuity, and its wide ecosystem of livelihoods from potters and rangoli artists to sweet-makers, florists, and craftspeople.
Inscription acknowledges Deepavali as a living heritage
UNESCO’s inscription acknowledges Deepavali as a living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, reinforces values of generosity and wellbeing, and contributes meaningfully to several Sustainable Development Goals, including livelihood enhancement, gender equality, cultural education and community welfare.
The Ministry of Culture welcomed the decision, noting that the inscription will further promote global awareness about India’s intangible cultural heritage and reinforce efforts to safeguard community-based traditions for future generations.
PM expresses joy
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today expressed joy and pride at the inclusion of Deepavali in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.
Responding to a post by UNESCO handle on X, Shri Modi said:
“People in India and around the world are thrilled.
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.
May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity.
@UNESCO”