New Delhi: Deepavali has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee, held at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The move places one of India’s most widely celebrated traditions on a global platform that recognises living cultural practices sustained by communities across generations.

The announcement was adopted in the presence of Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, senior officials, and delegates from 194 member states, along with international experts and representatives from UNESCO’s worldwide network.

Addressing the gathering, the Culture Minister said, "the inscription is a moment of immense pride for India and for communities across the world who keep alive the timeless spirit of Deepavali.” He added that the festival represents the universal message of “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya” and reflects hope, renewal and harmony.

He highlighted that Deepavali remains rooted in everyday contributions made by millions. Potters shaping diyas, artisans creating festive decorations, farmers, sweet makers, priests and households observing age-old customs all sustain the festival’s continuity. The recognition, he noted, honours this collective cultural effort.

The Minister also pointed to the role of the Indian diaspora, whose celebrations across Southeast Asia, Africa, the Gulf, Europe and the Caribbean have carried Deepavali’s message across continents while strengthening cultural ties.

With the inscription comes an added responsibility to preserve and pass on this heritage. The Minister urged citizens to uphold the spirit of unity and inclusivity that lies at the heart of Deepavali and continue supporting India’s diverse intangible cultural traditions.

Deepavali’s selection reflects its social depth and its character as a people’s festival observed across regions, communities and global Indian populations. The lighting of diyas, rangoli making, traditional crafts, rituals, community gatherings and the transmission of knowledge within families illustrate a tradition that remains dynamic and adaptable across time and place.

The nomination, prepared by the Ministry of Culture through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, followed extensive national consultations. Practitioners, artisans, agrarian communities, diaspora groups, persons with disabilities, transgender communities, cultural organisations and tradition bearers contributed to the process. Their accounts emphasised the festival’s inclusive nature and the wide ecosystem of livelihoods it supports, from potters and rangoli artists to florists, sweet-makers and craftspeople.

UNESCO’s inscription affirms Deepavali as a living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship and promotes values of generosity and wellbeing. It contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, including livelihood support, gender equality, cultural learning and community welfare.

The Ministry of Culture said the decision will help raise global awareness about India’s intangible cultural heritage and will strengthen efforts to protect community-driven traditions for future generations.

BI Bureau