Deepavali Shines on the Global Stage with UNESCO Heritage Recognition

Deepavali has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, recognising its cultural significance and enduring traditions. Celebrated globally as a festival of renewal, unity, and prosperity, it supports artisans, strengthens communities, and promotes inclusive values. India’s community-driven nomination highlights Deepavali’s diversity, while the recognition reinforces efforts to preserve and honour this cherished living tradition.

Deepavali, India’s radiant Festival of Lights, has earned a prestigious place on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement came during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee, held at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi from December 8–13, 2025. With this, Deepavali becomes the 16th cultural element from India to be honored on the international list, marking a proud moment for the nation.

The decision was adopted in the presence of delegates from 194 Member States, along with cultural experts and members of UNESCO’s global network. Their recognition underscores Deepavali’s enduring character as a tradition passed lovingly through generations—one that strengthens communities, nurtures togetherness, and continues to evolve while retaining its core meaning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement, noting that Deepavali is inseparable from India’s cultural identity and reflects the spirit at the heart of its civilization. India had submitted the festival as its official nomination for UNESCO’s 2024–25 cycle, in line with the Convention’s requirement that each country put forward one cultural element every two years.

For millions across India and around the world, Deepavali is more than a seasonal celebration—it is a deeply felt expression of renewal and hope. As twilight descends during the festival, homes and streets glow with countless lamps, creating a shared moment of reflection and connection that unites families and communities across geography and time.

UNESCO’s recognition also aligns with its 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a global commitment to protect living traditions in the face of rapid social change and globalisation. Oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, craftsmanship, and communal knowledge—including festivals like Deepavali—are increasingly in need of concerted preservation.

Union Minister of Culture & Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the inscription as a collective triumph for all who have kept the festival’s message of light and resilience alive. He said that while the recognition is an honour, it also comes with the responsibility to preserve and uphold the values the festival embodies, especially in a world longing for peace and unity.

The Ministry of Culture echoed this sentiment, noting that the global spotlight will help to further conserve India’s intangible heritage and empower the communities who sustain it.

Deepavali, observed on Kartik Amavasya between October and November, is celebrated for its symbolism of prosperity, abundance, and spiritual renewal. The festival’s inclusive nature fosters respect and harmony across diverse communities. Streets, temples, and homes glow with traditional oil lamps, markets burst into colour, and fireworks light up the night sky.

Alongside the iconic lighting of diyas, the festival includes rangoli-making, preparing festive sweets, performing rituals, exchanging gifts, and gathering with loved ones. It is celebrated over five days—beginning with Dhanteras, moving through Naraka Chaturdashi, the grand Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, a day of social visits and gifting, and ending with Bhai Dooj, dedicated to sibling bonds.

Deepavali is also a pillar of economic and cultural activity. It sustains millions of livelihoods across the country, from potters and artisans to sweet-makers and textile workers. Rural communities honour agricultural traditions, while local crafts and trade see a significant seasonal boost. The festival further promotes charity, with many groups organising food distribution and outreach for vulnerable communities.

Environmental consciousness has increasingly shaped Deepavali celebrations. Initiatives like CSIR-NEERI’s “green crackers” and nationwide campaigns such as Swachh Diwali encourage eco-friendly practices without diluting the festival’s vibrancy. The emphasis on cleaning homes and public spaces enhances hygiene and well-being, while gatherings strengthen emotional and social ties.

The festival also contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, supporting livelihoods, empowering communities, promoting cultural education, and nurturing inclusive participation.

India’s nomination of Deepavali was rooted in a broad, community-driven process led by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. Scholars, artists, practitioners, and cultural groups from across the country—including diaspora communities and marginalised groups—shared their experiences and perspectives, ensuring that the nomination reflected the festival’s true diversity and lived significance.

Deepavali’s inscription on the UNESCO list stands as a tribute to the countless families who light a diya each year, to the artisans who preserve its traditions, and to the enduring values the festival represents. It sends a message to the world that India’s cultural heritage is vibrant and alive—cherished in daily life and passed forward with pride and devotion.