Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the recognition, saying it will boost the festival’s global appeal.
The listing includes Deepavali alongside new cultural inscriptions from countries such as Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia and Egypt.
The announcement coincided with India hosting the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort in New Delhi, which brought together over 1,000 delegates from 180 countries, including UNESCO officials and cultural experts. Diwali, one of India’s most celebrated Hindu festivals, was added to the UNESCO heritage list during this key meeting.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed that Diwali holds deep emotional significance for Indians and has been cherished for generations. He emphasised that the UNESCO recognition comes with a responsibility to preserve Diwali as a living heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the recognition, describing Diwali as the “soul of our civilisation” and noting that its inscription would further enhance its global appeal.
Global celebrations to mark UNESCO recognition
Indian diaspora communities around the world celebrated the historic recognition of Deepavali in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, popularly known as Neasden Temple, marked the inscription of Diwali (Deepavali) on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Swamis, devotees, local community members and dignitaries, including Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, gathered on the Mandir steps for a ceremonial lighting of lamps. The Mandir was specially illuminated and prayers were offered for peace and collective well-being, reflecting on Diwali’s enduring message and the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj on preserving cultural heritage to foster unity and spiritual upliftment.
“It was a pleasure to celebrate this wonderful occasion at this beautiful mandir in London,” Mr Pande said, thanking the community for ensuring the light of Diwali continues to shine across the city and beyond. Sanjay Kara, a trustee of the Mandir, described the UNESCO recognition as a historic milestone, noting that it reinforces Diwali’s deep cultural and spiritual significance and its message of harmony, resilience and the triumph of light.
In the United States, the Consulate General of India in Houston, in collaboration with BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Indo-American organisations, hosted a programme with lamp-lighting, cultural performances, and a light show, attended by the Indian diaspora and elected officials. Consul General D C Manjunath called it a moment of pride for the diaspora and friends of India. To mark the occasion, the Indian Consulate in Atlanta was illuminated with diyas, and cultural events were held by Indian missions worldwide, including in Lebanon and Chile.
