New Delhi – In a big and happy news for India, the festival of Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, has been added to UNESCO‘s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This happened on December 10, 2025, during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is being held at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. This is the 16th Indian tradition to get this honour from UNESCO.
The decision was taken after looking at nominations from many countries. Deepavali was included under the category of “Social practices, rituals and festive events”. UNESCO said that Deepavali is a living tradition that brings people together, supports local crafts, and spreads values like kindness and hope. It also helps in many global goals such as better livelihoods, gender equality, and community welfare.
What is Deepavali and Why It Matters So Much
Deepavali is one of the most loved festivals in India. It is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and many others. The festival lasts for five days and falls on the new moon day in October or November. It marks the victory of good over evil, the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years, and the end of the harvest season.
People clean their homes, light oil lamps (diyas), make rangoli designs, share sweets, burst crackers, and pray for health and wealth. Families come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy special food like laddoos, jalebi, and namkeen. In many places, people also light big lamps and decorate streets. The festival is not just about lights; it is about hope, family love, and new beginnings.
UNESCO described Deepavali as a festival that unites families, communities, and even the Indian diaspora living in different countries. Elders pass on the traditions to children through stories, rituals, and hands-on work. Temples, schools, and cultural groups also help keep these practices alive.
India’s Growing List of UNESCO Intangible Heritage
With Deepavali now on the list, India has 16 elements in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Some of the earlier ones are:
- Yoga
- Kumbh Mela
- Durga Puja in Kolkata
- Garba dance of Gujarat
- Vedic chanting
- Ramlila (the traditional performance of Ramayana)
- Kutiyattam (Kerala theatre)
- Ramman (Uttarakhand folk theatre)
This shows how rich India’s cultural traditions are and how they are being protected for future generations.
Leaders’ Reactions to the UNESCO Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his joy on social media. He wrote, “People in India and around the world are thrilled. For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further. May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a proud moment for India. He said, “This signifies the importance of our ancient cultural ethos even in the modern era. The festival of lights has inspired us since antiquity to believe in the victory of the good and the righteous. It is now profoundly heartening that it will now encourage global well-being.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the recognition shows the festival’s big role in bringing people together with its cultural, religious, and spiritual importance.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called it a historic day and a matter of pride. He said Deepavali is not just a festival but an emotion and a philosophy of light over darkness, hope over despair, and good over evil.
UNESCO’s Regional Director for South Asia, Tim Curtis, said, “This inscription is a recognition for all people who keep this heritage alive – the elders who safeguard and pass on this knowledge and young people who carry it forward with creativity and pride.”
How the Nomination Process Worked
India sent the nomination file for Deepavali to UNESCO a few years ago. The file explained how the festival is celebrated across India and by Indians living abroad. It also talked about how people teach the traditions to the next generation and how the festival helps in community bonding.
The committee looked at 67 nominations from 79 countries this year. Deepavali was one of the new additions along with 19 other traditions from different countries.
What This Means for the Future
This UNESCO tag is not just an award; it is also a responsibility. It means India and the world must work to keep Deepavali alive and safe from modern changes. It will help promote the festival more across the globe and encourage people to learn about India’s culture.
Many Indians living in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Gulf celebrate Deepavali with lights, sweets, and prayers. This recognition will make more people around the world know about the festival and its message of peace and joy.
FAQs About Deepavali and UNESCO Recognition
Q1: When did Deepavali get added to UNESCO’s list?
A: It was officially inscribed on December 10, 2025, during the UNESCO meeting in New Delhi.
Q2: What does UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage mean?
A: It is about living traditions, rituals, festivals, music, dance, and crafts that people pass from one generation to another. The list helps protect these from disappearing and spreads awareness about their importance.
Q3: Why is Deepavali special?
A: Deepavali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It brings families together, promotes sharing, and marks new beginnings.
Q4: How many Indian traditions are now on UNESCO’s list?
A: Now there are 16, including yoga, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, and others.
Q5: Does this mean Deepavali will change?
A: No, the festival will stay the same. The tag only helps in protecting and promoting it better.
Q6: Who celebrates Deepavali besides Hindus?
A: Jains celebrate it as the new year, Sikhs as Bandi Chhor Divas (when Guru Hargobind was freed), and many others join in the joy.
Q7: How does the Indian diaspora celebrate it?
A: They light diyas, make sweets, wear new clothes, and hold community events even in far-away countries.
Q8: What other festivals got UNESCO recognition in 2025?
A: Along with Deepavali, traditions like Georgian wheat culture, Italian cuisine, and others from different countries were also added.
This UNESCO recognition is a shining moment for India. It shows the world that Deepavali is not just a festival but a symbol of hope, unity, and light. May the lamps of Deepavali keep spreading joy everywhere!