The word just came down: Deepavali—or Diwali, as most know it—is officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. People in India and worldwide are thrilled. This is a massive symbolic win.
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🔴 BREAKING
New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India🇮🇳.
Congratulations!https://t.co/xoL14QknFp #LivingHeritage pic.twitter.com/YUM7r6nUai
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) December 10, 2025
Deepavali Makes the UNESCO Heritage List
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to welcome the move. His sentiment was clear: “For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation.” He feels this will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further.
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The Context: The decision was reportedly made during a key meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) being hosted right here in Delhi, at the Red Fort, no less. India is chairing the 2025 session, led by Ambassador HE Vishal V Sharma.
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The Reaction: Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the festival is deeply emotional for Indians. And then the responsibility followed. He stressed that the UNESCO tag means “we must ensure Deepavali remains living heritage.”
The festival of lights is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival in India. It personifies illumination and righteousness.
Other Cultures That Made the List
Deepavali joins a diverse mix of new global cultural symbols added to the list. It’s a messy, narrative-driven list of traditions:
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Ghana’s highlife music and dance.
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Ethiopia’s Gifaataa (Wolaita people New Year festival).
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Iceland’s Swimming pool culture (yes, you read that right).
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Egypt’s Koshary (a daily life dish).
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Cuba’s practice of Cuban Son music.
The listing is a nod to the fact that Deepavali isn’t just one day; it’s a living tradition of light, community, and cultural practice that has lived through generations.
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