Deepavali, the dazzling festival of lights, is now inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity list. The momentous announcement came on 10th December, 2025, at the ongoing 20th Session of IGC at Red Fort, Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Culture. The global acceptance to add Deepavali to the ICH list bears special attachment, as it is done when India is hosting the global event for the first time. The announcement was made by the Hon’ble Culture Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, at the venue; Secretary, Culture, Shri Vivek Aggarwal; and senior dignitaries were also present. It was an overwhelming moment of joy for all at the Red Fort; senior leaders celebrated this moment of victory in Indian style.
The announcement is a moment of pride for the nation and particularly the Ministry of Culture, as it has been endowed with the onus of nominating the intangible cultural heritage that bears the age-old civilisational roots. The Ministry of Culture has played an active role in the deliberations and decision-making processes for nominating the festival of Deepavali as a distinct part of India’s intangible cultural heritage. The Ministry of Culture, with its continuous efforts, has helped elevate a deeply rooted community festival to global heritage status that underlines the idea that festivals and community-based traditions are a vital part of humanity’s living heritage that deserves preservation. The Ministry powerfully advocated that Deepavali isn’t just a religious festival but a “living heritage”. Senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, including the Union Culture Minister and the Secretary, were present alongside delegates from 194 member states to make the case for Deepavali and represent India.
The nomination for listing Deepavali as an Intangible Cultural Heritage was prepared by Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture. Deepavali was among 67 global nominations assessed during the session.
In this moment of triumph, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared a message on X: “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.”
Addressing the gathering at the event, Hon’ble Minister of Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the recognition is a moment of pride for India and for communities worldwide that observe the festival. He noted that Deepavali reflects the message of moving from darkness to light and emphasised the festival’s people-driven character. He highlighted the roles of potters, artisans, farmers, sweet makers, priests and households whose participation sustains its traditions.
Deepavali being accorded the status will ensure the protection and preservation of a living heritage being practiced since time immemorial in the Indian subcontinent. With Deepavali’s inclusion, India now has 16 elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Existing entries include the Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre, the tradition of Vedic Chanting, Ramlila the traditional performance of the Ramayana, Ramman Religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, Mudiyettu ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala, Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances, Rajasthan, India, Chhau Dance, Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh, Sankirtana – ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur, traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, Yoga, Novruz, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja in Kolkata, and Garba of Gujarat. The addition further strengthens India’s cultural presence on the global stage.
