New Delhi : In a landmark cultural achievement for India, UNESCO has officially inscribed Deepavali—the Festival of Lights—on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made during the 19th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee in Sofia, Bulgaria, marking a global acknowledgment of the festival’s spiritual, cultural, and social influence.
Deepavali, celebrated by more than a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists around the world, symbolizes the universal triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. UNESCO recognized traditional customs such as lighting diyas, creating rangoli, sharing sweets, setting off fireworks, and gathering with family—rituals that strengthen social bonds and reinforce values of forgiveness, renewal, and harmony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the inscription as a “proud moment for India’s civilizational heritage,” emphasizing Deepavali’s role in fostering unity across communities globally. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay oversaw the official inclusion, which follows India’s sustained cultural advocacy in recent years—similar to earlier recognitions of Yoga and the Kumbh Mela.
The festival, observed on the 15th day of the Kartik month, has increasingly incorporated eco-conscious practices, reflecting worldwide calls for sustainable celebrations. This international recognition further elevates India’s soft power and reaffirms Deepavali’s enduring relevance in contemporary cultural discourse.
