Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, announced at the 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session at New Delhi’s Red Fort from December 8-13, 2025.
- It is the 16th Indian element on this list.
- Other UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage from India are Garba of Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Yoga (2016), Nowruz festival (2016), Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making (Thatheras of Punjab) (2014), Sankirtana (Manipur) (2013), Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012), Chhau dance (2010), Kalbelia folk songs and dances (Rajasthan) (2010), Mudiyettu (Kerala) (2010), Ramman (Garhwal Himalayas) (2009), Kuttiyattam (Sanskrit theatre) (2008), Tradition of Vedic chanting (2008), Ramlila (Traditional performance of the Ramayana) (2008).
- The announcement came during 20th Session of Intergovernmental Committee in Red Fort, New Delhi, it is the first time India is hosting a session of the UNESCO panel.
- The Festival of Lights is an annual living tradition celebrated in India. On the New Moon night of Diwali, residences, thoroughfares, and temples are illuminated with numerous oil lamps, emanating a warm golden glow that represents light overcoming darkness and righteousness triumphing over evil. In the evening, the sky is illuminated by a spectacular display of fireworks.
- It includes Dhanteras (buying metalware as a symbol of prosperity); Naraka Chaturdashi (lighting lamps to dispel negativity); sacred Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja; Bhai Dooj (brother-sister bond).
UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity:
Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to living cultural expressions and practices that communities inherit from their ancestors and transmit to future generations. These traditions provide communities with a sense of identity and continuity.
- Genesis of the ICH Convention
- The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted on 17 October 2003
- Adopted during the 32nd General Conference of UNESCO
- Venue of adoption: Paris
- Purpose of the Convention
- To safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage worldwide
- To ensure respect for cultural practices rooted in communities
- To raise awareness at local, national, and international levels about the importance of ICH
- To encourage international cooperation and assistance in safeguarding living heritage
- What Constitutes Intangible Cultural Heritage?
- As defined under the Convention, ICH includes:
- Oral traditions and expressions, including language
- Performing arts
- Social practices, rituals, and festive events
- Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
- Traditional craftsmanship
- These elements are:
- Community-based
- Continuously recreated
- Transmitted across generations
- As defined under the Convention, ICH includes:
- General Assembly of the State Parties: Sovereign body that meets every two years in ordinary session.
- Responsibility of State Parties: Primary responsibility for safeguarding ICH lies with individual States