Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Diwali Added to UNESCO Heritage List
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, has been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
This is a big honor because it shows that the world values this festival.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is very happy about this.
He says Diwali is very important to India's culture and represents the victory of good over evil.
The festival is celebrated by millions of people in India and around the world.
It includes lighting oil lamps, bursting firecrackers, performing prayers, and exchanging gifts.
Social media users are also excited and proud of this recognition.
The Ministry of External Affairs says this will help promote India's cultural heritage internationally.
Diwali has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The announcement was made during a UNESCO meeting in New Delhi from Tuesday to Thursday, reviewing nominations from 78 countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the recognition as a joyous moment, describing Diwali as closely linked to India's culture and ethos.
Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, marking Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
Social media users expressed pride and excitement, highlighting the festival’s global cultural importance.
- Who
- UNESCO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ministry of External Affairs, Social media users
- What
- Inclusion of Diwali in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
- When
- Tuesday to Thursday (specific dates not mentioned)
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To recognize and preserve the cultural and spiritual significance of Diwali and promote global awareness
- Festival
- Diwali (Deepavali)
- Organization
- UNESCO
- List
- Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- Prime Minister
- Narendra Modi
- Meeting Location
- New Delhi, India
- Meeting Duration
- Tuesday to Thursday
- Nominations Reviewed
- 78 countries
- Festival Significance
- Triumph of good over evil, Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya, worship of Goddess Lakshmi
Sources
Inclusion of Deepavali in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a matter of pride: CM Yogi
Deepavali’s inclusion in UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list a proud moment for India: Shah
A glowing recognition: How Diwali made it to UNESCO heritage list
Today News Headlines for School Assembly, Dec 11 2025: DGCA to oversee IndiGo flight ops, UNESCO recognises Deepavali
In Graphics | Diwali on Unesco’s heritage list: What else has achieved global recognition from India?
Diwali included in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list
India’s Deepavali now on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, PM hails inscription
Delhi govt organises event to mark Diwali’s inclusion to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Unesco tag for Deepavali after Durga Puja cheer: Efforts on to nominate Chhath - Telegraph India
UNESCO officially adds Diwali to Intangible Cultural Heritage List
