In a landmark cultural milestone, Deepavali the Festival of Lights cherished by millions across the world has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement, made during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee held at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, marks an extraordinary moment of pride for India and the global diaspora that celebrates the festival with devotion, joy and community spirit.
The inclusion of Deepavali in UNESCO’s prestigious heritage list acknowledges not just the festival’s deep historical roots, but also its enduring cultural significance and its ability to unite people across religions, regions and generations. For centuries, Deepavali has symbolised the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair values that resonate universally.
A Ceremony Steeped in Significance
The decision to elevate Deepavali to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list was adopted in the presence of Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, international cultural experts, and delegates from 194 member states. The atmosphere at the Red Fort was one of celebration and global collaboration, reflecting the festival’s reputation as one of the world’s most widely observed cultural traditions.
Minister Shekhawat hailed the recognition as a testament to India’s rich cultural legacy. He noted that Deepavali, with its rituals of lighting lamps, sharing sweets, performing prayers and strengthening community bonds, represents an intangible tradition that transcends borders and continues to evolve beautifully through generations.
A Victory for Cultural Preservation
Deepavali’s inscription into UNESCO’s heritage list is more than a ceremonial honour it’s a commitment to safeguarding the traditions, stories and practices associated with the festival. As cultural forms across the world face challenges from rapid modernisation and globalisation, such recognitions play a crucial role in ensuring that age-old customs remain alive and vibrant.
UNESCO’s endorsement also highlights the festival’s diversity. Deepavali is celebrated differently across India and beyond. In North India, it commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya; in South India, it marks the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura; for Jains, it honours Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana; for Sikhs, it marks the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from captivity. This multiplicity of meanings enriches the festival’s cultural tapestry and strengthens its global appeal.
Prime Minister Modi Welcomes Global Recognition
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement warmly, describing it as “a proud moment for every Indian and for millions around the world who celebrate Deepavali with devotion and enthusiasm.” He emphasised that the festival’s recognition underscores India’s cultural strength and its contributions to global heritage.
Modi also noted that the inscription reinforces the world’s appreciation for India’s traditions of peace, harmony, and the celebration of life values deeply embedded in Deepavali’s rituals and symbolism.
Deepavali: A Cultural Bridge Between Nations
One of the key reasons UNESCO cited for the inclusion is Deepavali’s role in fostering community bonding and cross-cultural harmony. Today, the festival is celebrated across continents from the bustling streets of Delhi and Chennai to the cultural hubs of Kuala Lumpur, Durban, London, and New York. In countries like Fiji, Malaysia and Singapore, Deepavali is a national holiday, reflecting its deep social impact and widespread acceptance.
The festival’s universal themes light, renewal, triumph, gratitude make it relatable to people of all backgrounds. Its celebration brings communities together through shared rituals like lighting diyas, exchanging gifts, enjoying festive meals, wearing new clothes, and participating in prayers and cultural programs. This spirit of unity has been crucial to its recognition as an intangible cultural treasure.
Preservation and Promotion
With Deepavali now added to UNESCO’s heritage list, new avenues open for research, documentation, cultural exchange programs, and preservation initiatives. India’s Ministry of Culture is expected to collaborate with global institutions to ensure that the festival’s rituals and stories are preserved for future generations.
Experts also view the recognition as an opportunity to promote sustainable celebrations. From encouraging eco-friendly diyas and traditional oil lamps to reviving indigenous craft traditions tied to the festival such as pottery, rangoli art, and handmade decorations Deepavali’s listing could spark a revival of traditional artisanal practices.
A Moment of Global Pride
The global recognition of Deepavali comes at a time when cultural identity and heritage have become increasingly important in a rapidly globalising world. It reinforces the idea that cultural celebrations, when nurtured and shared respectfully, have the power to connect humanity at its deepest emotional and spiritual levels.
As India lights its lamps this year, the glow will shine a little brighter, knowing that the world has formally embraced the festival’s timeless message of hope and light. Deepavali’s addition to UNESCO’s heritage list is not just an honour for India it is a celebration of humanity’s shared cultural wealth.
From now on, every diya lit during Deepavali will carry an added spark of pride, reminding the world that some traditions are too precious, too meaningful, and too beautiful to ever fade into darkness.
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