Diwali Added to UNESCO Heritage List, PM Modi Says Ideals of Shri Ram Will Guide Generations

Diwali has officially been added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The announcement has drawn widespread celebration in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the recognition will help the festival gain even greater global prominence.

UNESCO Confirms New Inscription

The festival appears on the list as a new entry alongside cultural traditions from several nations including Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia and Egypt. UNESCO announced the development in a message that read, "New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!"

India is currently hosting the session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort in Delhi. It was during this meeting that the decision to include Diwali was taken. The festival, widely celebrated across India, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and holds an important place in the country's cultural identity.

India Responds to the Recognition

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the listing as an emotional moment for the country and a continuation of a tradition passed down for generations.
"This UNESCO tag also a responsibility; we must ensure Deepavali remains living heritage," he said, according to PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his appreciation for the global recognition. He said, "People in India and around the world are thrilled. For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival's global popularity even further. May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity."

The upcoming 2025 session on intangible cultural heritage will be chaired by HE Vishal V Sharma, who serves as India's Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. The twentieth session of the panel is underway from December 8 to 13 at the Red Fort.

Other Additions to the Heritage List

Several countries have also had cultural practices recognised in UNESCO's latest update. The new entries include:

• Iceland's swimming pool culture
• The Compas of Haiti
• Ghana's highlife music and dance
• Georgian wheat culture
• Ethiopia's Gifaataa festival of the Wolaita people
• El Salvador's confraternity of flowers and palms
• Egypt's Koshary as a daily life dish
• Czechia's amateur theatre acting
• Cyprus's Commandaria wine
• Cuba's practice of Cuban Son
• Yemen's Hadrami Dan gathering