In a landmark recognition, Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, joining the ranks of Yoga and Durga Puja. The festival is a new inscription on the list, alongside cultural symbols from many other countries, like Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia and Egypt, among others.
India had sent the Deepavali nomination dossier to UNESCO in 2023 for the 2024-25 cycle. Apart from Deepavali in India, traditional saree weaving art of Tangail also secured a place in the list.
“New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!,” UNESCO said in a tweet on Wednesday. India is hosting a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Chants of ‘Jai Hind’, ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ rent the air as UNESCO announced that the celebrated festival has been added to the prestigious list after a discussion by its committee. Artistes dressed in different traditional attire performed in front of the main stage while images of the Deepavali festival played on the big screen.
Deepavali or Diwali is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival in India. The decision to have the festival on the cultural heritage list was reportedly taken during a key meeting of UNESCO being hosted at the Red Fort in Delhi. This marks the first time India has hosted the prestigious UNESCO panel, which is tasked with evaluating cultural practices, traditions, and expressions from around the world for international recognition and protection.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List, saying it will contribute to the festival’s global popularity.
