Diwali Earns Global Honour: UNESCO adds Deepavali to its intangible cultural heritage list

Diwali Earns Global Honour: UNESCO adds Deepavali to its intangible cultural heritage list (image: PTI / shutterstock)

India’s beloved festival Deepavali, celebrated for its message of light, hope and righteousness, has received a historic global recognition. UNESCO has officially added Deepavali to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List, honouring it as a cultural treasure that must be preserved and celebrated across the world. This major acknowledgement places Deepavali among the world’s most cherished living cultural traditions, highlighting its deep spiritual and social significance.

The announcement was made through UNESCO’s official social media platforms, where the organisation described Deepavali as a new entry to its global list of “Living Heritage”. This recognition underscores how the festival continues to thrive through community participation, rituals, traditions and cultural celebrations passed down for generations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense joy at the global honour, saying people in India and abroad are “thrilled” by the announcement. He described Deepavali as a festival that reflects India’s timeless values, culture and civilisational depth. Calling it a proud moment, the Prime Minister noted that Deepavali represents illumination and righteousness, qualities that continue to inspire millions worldwide.

The inclusion of Deepavali marks one of the most significant global acknowledgements of Indian cultural traditions in recent years. Experts believe this recognition will help promote awareness, encourage documentation and strengthen efforts to preserve the festival’s rituals, stories and diverse regional practices.

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… https://t.co/JxKEDsv8fT

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2025

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List celebrates living traditions such as festivals, performing arts, rituals, craftsmanship and cultural knowledge. Unlike monuments or architectural sites, this list focuses on practices kept alive through community involvement and intergenerational learning.

By adding Deepavali to this list, UNESCO aims to safeguard the festival’s cultural significance, support global appreciation and ensure that its traditions continue to flourish for future generations.

Deepavali, known for its lamps, prayers, family gatherings and celebrations of victory of light over darkness, now holds a place of honour on an international platform. The recognition reaffirms the festival’s universal message and strengthens India’s cultural imprint on the global stage.

With UNESCO’s acknowledgment, Deepavali’s legacy shines even brighter - reminding the world of the enduring power of unity, spirituality and light.