Archive · 26 Dec 2025
India's Cultural Highlights in 2025
In 2025, India celebrated its rich cultural heritage through various events and recognitions.
The Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj showcased India's culture through 'Kalagram', a sensory odyssey.
The Ministry of Culture marked 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and celebrated the birth anniversaries of notable figures like Ahilyabai Holkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
UNESCO recognized Deepavali as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and added the Maratha Military Landscapes to the World Heritage List.
The government also launched the 'Gyan Bharatam' initiative to preserve and digitize India's manuscript heritage.
Additionally, there was a planned exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka for 2026.
The year ended with the first-ever hosting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Delhi, marking a significant cultural milestone for India.
India showcased its cultural heritage at the Maha Kumbh through 'Kalagram' in Prayagraj.
Deepavali was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December.
The Ministry of Culture marked 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and celebrated notable birth anniversaries.
UNESCO added 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' to the World Heritage List.
The government launched 'Gyan Bharatam' to preserve and digitize India's manuscript heritage.
- Who
- Ministry of Culture, UNESCO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and various cultural institutions.
- What
- Significant cultural events and recognitions in India throughout 2025.
- When
- Throughout 2025, with notable events in January-February, November, and December.
- Where
- Various locations in India, including Prayagraj, Delhi, Bhopal, and Kolkata, as well as international recognition by UNESCO.
- Why
- To celebrate and preserve India's rich cultural heritage and gain international recognition for its cultural practices.
- Maha Kumbh
- Showcased India's cultural heritage through 'Kalagram' in Prayagraj.
- UNESCO Recognition
- Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
- Maratha Military Landscapes
- Added to the World Heritage List with 12 components.
- Vande Mataram Celebrations
- Year-long celebrations marked 150 years of the national song.
- Buddha Relics Exposition
- Planned exposition of holy relics in Sri Lanka in 2026.
- Gyan Bharatam Initiative
- Launched to preserve and digitize India's manuscript heritage.
- Red Fort Blast
- Occurred in November, killing 15 and injuring over two dozen.
- Buddha Relics Auction
- India successfully opposed an auction in Hong Kong.
