Archive · 10 Dec 2025
UNESCO Recognizes Diwali as Intangible Cultural Heritage
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added Diwali, the festival of lights, to its list of important cultural practices from around the world.
This decision was made during a big meeting in Delhi, India, at the Red Fort.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very happy about this recognition and said it makes India proud.
Diwali is celebrated by many people in India and around the world, and it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
This is the first time India is hosting this UNESCO meeting, and they are also celebrating with special lights and decorations.
India now has 16 cultural practices on UNESCO's list, including the Kumbh Mela and yoga.
UNESCO added Diwali to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during a meeting at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the recognition, calling it a moment of pride and a thrilling honor for India.
This is the first time India is hosting the Intergovernmental Committee session, which runs from December 8 to 13.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
India now has 16 elements on UNESCO's list, including the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba, yoga, Vedic chanting, and Ramlila.
- Who
- UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
- What
- Inscription of Diwali on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- When
- December 10, 2025
- Where
- Red Fort, New Delhi, India
- Why
- To recognize and safeguard the cultural significance of Diwali
- Event
- 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Location
- Red Fort, New Delhi
- Date
- December 8 to 13
- Recognized Heritage
- Diwali (Deepavali)
- India's Total Recognitions
- 16 elements
- Other Indian Recognitions
- Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba, Yoga, Vedic Chanting, Ramlila
- Celebrations
- Special illuminations, decorations, and lamp-lighting ceremony
- PM Modi's Reaction
- Called it a moment of pride and thrilling honor
Sources
Tangail saree weaving art of B’desh, miniature painting style of Afghanistan get UNESCO tag
In A First, Delhi To Celebrate Diwali In December For UNESCO List Push
'Shahjehan' Returns: Air India's Boeing 747 Model Greets UNESCO Delegates
After Durga Puja, now India's Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage list
‘Soul of our civilisation’: Deepavali joins UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list; PM Modi calls it a ‘thrilling’ honour
Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list
‘Closely linked to our culture’: PM Modi welcomes UNESCO recognition of Diwali as Intangible Cultural Heritage
'Joyous Moment': UNESCO Adds Deepavali To Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Unesco adds Deepavali to Intangible Cultural Heritage List, PM Modi says people in India are thrilled
Diwali Joins UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List: The 'Sweet 16' Of Indian Culture & What It Means For Our Living Traditions
Deepavali gets global recognition; enters UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list