Historic! UNESCO adds Deepavali to Intangible Cultural Heritage List

New-Delhi: Deepavali, one of India’s most celebrated cultural and spiritual festivals, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List, the international body announced on Wednesday.

Describing the festival, UNESCO said on its official website, “Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a light festival celebrated annually by diverse individuals and communities across India, that marks the last harvest of the year and the start of a new year and new season.

Based on the lunar calendar, it falls on the new moon in October or November and lasts several days. It is a joyous occasion that symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During this time, people clean and decorate their homes and public spaces, light lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and offer prayers for prosperity and new beginnings”.

In 2008, Ramlila- the traditional performance of Ramayana was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

In 2024, the festival of Navroz from India was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

Garba from Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Yoga (2016), and the traditional brass and copper craft of utensil-making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab (2014) are some of the other Indian elements on the list.

India is hosting UNESCO’s 20th Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee session here for the first time from December 8 to December 13.

The historic Red Fort complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been chosen as the venue, symbolising the convergence of India’s tangible and intangible heritage under one roof.

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