New Delhi: India’s iconic festival of lights, Deepavali, has earned a historic global honour — UNESCO has officially inscribed it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The announcement, made during the ongoing UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session in New Delhi, marks a major cultural milestone for India.
🔴 BREAKING
New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India🇮🇳.
Congratulations!https://t.co/xoL14QknFp #LivingHeritage pic.twitter.com/YUM7r6nUai
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) December 10, 2025
Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called the recognition “an emotional moment for every Indian”, noting that Deepavali is not just celebrated, but “felt, lived and carried forward across generations.” He added that the inscription is both an honour and a responsibility to preserve the festival’s living traditions.
Deepavali now joins a prestigious list of Indian cultural elements already recognised by UNESCO, including Durga Puja, Yoga, Kumbh Mela and Garba.
With this global acknowledgement, the vibrant practices of Deepavali — from lighting diyas and sharing festive sweets to community gatherings and traditional rituals — gain renewed international visibility and cultural significance.
