Diwali added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list
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New Delhi: Deepavali or Diwali, one of India’s most prominent cultural and spiritual festivals, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list.
UNESCO announced the decision on its official X handle, posting: “BREAKING. New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!”
The inscription came during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is underway at Delhi’s Red Fort from December 8 to 13. This is the first time India is hosting a session of the Committee, which is examining 67 nominations from nearly 80 countries.
The Red Fort has been designated as the main venue for the deliberations, where dignitaries and international delegates will witness cultural performances, ceremonial lighting of diyas, and curated exhibitions highlighting traditional arts associated with the festival.
To reflect the festive spirit, the Delhi government has been asked to illuminate major buildings, install decorative lighting, place diyas in public spaces, and organise cultural programmes across districts, aiming to give the capital a Diwali-like glow.
Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God, has also been proposed for inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Union Ministry of Culture has written to the Sangeet Natak Akademi to examine the proposal and take further action.
India already has 15 elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including the Kumbh Mela, Kolkata’s Durga Puja, Gujarat’s Garba, Yoga, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Ramman and Kutiyattam. The addition of Deepavali further strengthens India’s cultural profile on the global stage.
UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list seeks to safeguard important living traditions and practices worldwide and raise awareness about their value. It covers skills, knowledge, expressions, and cultural spaces, along with associated artefacts and instruments, that communities recognise as part of their heritage.
(Inputs from IANS)