UNESCO adds Deepavali to Global Intangible Heritage List: 'A proud moment for Bharat'

The Indian government welcomed the decision as well.

Deepavali, observed widely across India and among communities around the world, was formally added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inclusion was confirmed by the organisation following deliberations of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which met in Delhi at the Red Fort. The decision placed the festival among other cultural practices recently recognised from countries such as Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia and Egypt.

UNESCOannounced the development publicly, posting the update with the message, “New inscription on the Intangible Heritage List: Deepavali, India. Congratulations.” The confirmation prompted extensive responses on X, where many users characterised the moment as a significant acknowledgement of India’s cultural traditions.

BREAKING

New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India🇮🇳. Congratulations!https://t.co/xoL14QknFp#LivingHeritagepic.twitter.com/YUM7r6nUai — UNESCO #Education #Sciences #December 10, 2025

One user reacted by writing, “Deepavali is now on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List. A global recognition of India’s light, culture and timeless tradition. Congratulations, India.” Another user referred to depictions of celebrations in temple architecture, commenting, “History on the walls of temples in India. Late but at last, Indian history saluted by UNESCO.”

Expressions of pride repeated across the platform. One message read, “A proud moment for Bharat and for world culture. Deepavali is not just a festival, it is a civilisational message of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance.”

See some more reactions here:

Congratulations India… Lights and colors should deservingly be celebrated throughout the world and shine peace into every heart! —(@lionizebee) December 10, 2025

About time! Deepavali finally added to UNESCO’s #IntangibleHeritage list. A civilisation that has celebrated light, community and living traditions for thousands of years shouldn’t have had to wait this long. Still, a#Deepavali#UNESCO

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— Shubham Gurule (@shubham_gurule) December 10, 2025

Deepavali finally gets global recognition! Proud moment — Andhra Community (@AndhraCommunity) December 10, 2025

A meaningful moment for a festival that connects millions of people across generations.

Deepavali’s place on this list reflects its cultural depth and the values of light and togetherness that it brings into everyday life. This recognition also helps the tradition gain even… — Dhanvesttor (@dhanvesttor) December 10, 2025

The Indian government welcomed the decision as well. According to PTI, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the new inscription carried an obligation as well: “This UNESCO tag also a responsibility; we must ensure Deepavali remains living heritage.”