Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Deepavali is the 16th Indian element on this list; others include Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela, Vedic chanting, Ram Leela, and Chhau dance
Dec 10, 2025 - Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On Wednesday (December 9), UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) released its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The list also includes cultural symbols from several countries such as Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
It is the 16th Indian element on this list. India now has 15 elements included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. These include Durga Puja, Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Vedic chanting, Ram Leela and Chhau dance.
The inscription was adopted in the presence of delegates from 194 Member States, international experts, and representatives of UNESCO’s global network.
Reacting to the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “People in India and around the world are excited. For us, Diwali is connected to culture and nature. 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.”
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.
#Deepavali #UNESCO #IntangibleHeritage #FestivalOfLights #IndiaCulture #HeritageList #UNESCO2025 #CulturalIdentity #GlobalRecognition #IndianTraditions #CultureNews #TrendingNow
To join us on Facebook Click Here and Subscribe to UdaipurTimes Broadcast channels on GoogleNews | Telegram | Signal