On Wednesday, December 14th, it was announced that the global recognition of the festival as a cultural treasure had been officially made via social media.
Deepavali (or Diwali) is a prominent celebration in India and many other countries around the world. Recently, this festival was officially added to UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On Wednesday, it was announced that the global recognition of the festival as a cultural treasure had been officially made via social media.
As a “new inscription” added to UNESCO’s heritage list, the organization expressed its congratulations and compliments to India for achieving this honor. The announcement comes at a time when India is currently hosting the current meeting of International Competitiveness Conference (ICH) to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH).
Celebrating the victory of light over darkness and virtue over vice, Deepavali (or Diwali) is one of India’s most beloved festivals. It was decided by the Intergovernmental Committee to register the festival to the cultural heritage list of the nation during a historic meeting at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where there is currently taking place from December 8 – 13.
According to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the recognition of Deepavali as intangible cultural heritage represents an emotional attachment for many Indians and they appreciate this honor.
In addition, he stated that UNESCO’s designation provides a sense of accountability and highlights the need to continue protecting the festival’s customs and practices as “living heritage” for those who will come after us.
By holding the Presidency of the 2025 ICH Session, India will continue to be a leading force in the preservation of heritage. Vishal V Sharma, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, will serve as the chair of this session.
Along with Deepavali, cultural practices from several other countries were also added to UNESCO’s Representative List this year. These include-
- Iceland: Swimming pool culture
- Haiti: The Compas music tradition
- Ghana: Highlife music and dance
- Georgia: Wheat culture
- Ethiopia: Gifaataa, the Wolaita people’s New Year celebration
- El Salvador: Confraternity of flowers and palms
- Egypt: Koshary, the everyday national dish
- Czechia: Amateur theatre tradition
- Cyprus: Commandaria wine
- Cuba: Practice of Cuban Son
- Yemen: Hadrami Dan gathering
With this recognition, Diwali now stands among global cultural expressions celebrated for their historical, artistic and social significance.
