NEW DELHI: In a landmark recognition, Deepavali has been added to Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming the 16th Indian tradition to earn the honour, joining the ranks of Yoga and Durga Puja.“A historic day for India. Deepavali has been officially inscribed on the Unesco List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the tenure of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage is receiving unprecedented global recognition and this milestone strengthens that journey. This honour celebrates the universal message of our festival of lights: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all. My gratitude to Unesco and to every custodian of our timeless traditions,” said culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.In the same round of additions, Unesco also inscribed “Georgian wheat culture: traditions and rituals” from Georgia, recognising the nation’s centuries-old agricultural heritage. The inscription of Deepavali on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list comes as part of a significant global review underway in New Delhi, where the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is being held from December 8 to 13 at the historic Red Fort. 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. During the nearly week-long session, the committee is examining 67 nominations submitted by 79 countries, including India’s entry of the Deepavali festival. The assessments form part of Unesco’s larger mandate to safeguard cultural traditions that hold historical, artistic, or social value, ensuring their continuity for future generations. The global diversity of this year’s submissions — ranging from festivals and rituals to agricultural and craft traditions — underscores the expanding scope of the intangible heritage programme and the growing international interest in preserving living cultural practices.
