Deepavali (Diwali) Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Deepavali (Diwali) Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Dec 11, 2025
2minutes read

A Historic Moment for India

On December 10, 2025, Deepavali, the festival of lights, was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement came during the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage’s session in New Delhi, marking a moment of pride for India and the millions who celebrate the festival worldwide.
The Ministry of Culture hailed the recognition as a tribute to Deepavali’s centuries-old rituals and its significance in shaping community identity and cultural continuity. Across India and in the diaspora, the festival animates homes, streets, and temples with lights, songs, and shared celebration.

Preserving Living Traditions

UNESCO’s Representative List is designed to highlight cultural practices that are alive and evolving, while promoting measures to safeguard them for future generations. For Deepavali, this includes addressing environmental and safety concerns related to fireworks while preserving the ceremonial forms that give the festival its distinct character.

Deepavali Joins a Rich Heritage of Indian Traditions

With Deepavali’s addition in 2025, India’s list of intangible cultural heritage elements on UNESCO’s list continues to grow. India’s national list includes a wide range of cultural practices, such as rituals, performing arts, and festivals. Recent additions are Yoga (2016), Kumbh Mela (2017), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Garba of Gujarat (2023), and Nawrouz (2024, listed as a transnational element). Earlier entries include Ramlila, Kutiyattam (the Sanskrit theatre tradition), Vedic chanting, Sankirtana from Manipur, Chhau dance, Kalbelia, Mudiyettu, and Ramman. Together, these show the richness and variety of India’s cultural heritage, covering religious, artistic, and community traditions across the country.

A Festival That Lives On

Diwali, one of the major religious festivals in our Indian culture, lasts for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness. For millions, Deepavali is more than a festival; it is a celebration of light, virtue, and community. UNESCO’s recognition ensures that these vibrant practices continue to inspire, connect, and unite people, not just in India but across the globe.