Delhi Celebrates Deepavali's UNESCO Intangible Heritage Crown
Delhi Celebrates Deepavali's UNESCO Intangible Heritage Crown
Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a historic milestone celebrated in Delhi as India salutes global recognition of its civilisational heritage.
Deepavali’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is described as a golden chapter in Indian culture. Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta celebrated the news at Dilli Haat, joining cabinet ministers, as the decision was announced during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee at the Red Fort.
She called the festival a cultural treasure shared by humanity and said the Delhi government would mark the occasion with citywide decorations, lamp-lighting ceremonies, special illuminations at government buildings, and programs across the capital. Representatives from 180 countries are in Delhi for the meeting, underscoring the moment of pride for 1.4 billion Indians.
UNESCO’s session, hosted in Delhi, marks a significant milestone as Deepavali joins Yoga and Durga Puja among India’s intangible heritage recognitions. India currently has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List, and with this inscription, Deepavali becomes the 16th element.
To be inscribed on the Representative List, a detailed nomination dossier must be submitted by a country, with one element allowed every two years. India had put forward the Deepavali festival for the 2024-25 cycle, highlighting its universal values of love, humanity, and shared joy.
The six-day UNESCO meeting has drawn more than 1,000 delegates from over 180 countries, with Delhi hosting the events and celebrations that echo across the capital and the nation.
Cover image source: Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list 🔗
