Deepavali, the pageant of lights, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Listing of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, introduced on the twentieth UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session at New Delhi’s Pink Fort from December 8-13, 2025.
It’s the sixteenth Indian ingredient on this record. In Nepal, a Musical Bhajan night with the lighting of lamps within the Pashupati temple premises was organised in celebration of the inscription of Deepavali in UNESCO’s Listing of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Residents of Nepal welcomed the transfer.
Indian Citizen Affiliation of Nepal, ICAN President Manoj Kandoi shared his view that international consciousness about Diwali will reinforce efforts to safeguard community-based traditions for future generations.
Kamal Khandelwal, a resident of Nepal, congratulated the group observing Deepavali yearly, as they celebrated Diwali as a part of their customized, from the Recognition of Diwali as UNESCO Cultural Heritage provides him delight.
Different UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage from India are Garba of Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Yoga (2016), Conventional brass and copper craft of utensil making (Thatheras of Punjab) (2014), Sankirtana (Manipur) (2013), Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012), Chhau dance (2010), Kalbelia people songs and dances (Rajasthan) (2010), Mudiyettu (Kerala) (2010), Ramman (Garhwal Himalayas) (2009), Kuttiyattam (Sanskrit theatre) (2008), Custom of Vedic chanting (2008), Ramlila (Conventional efficiency of the Ramayana) (2008).
The inscription was adopted within the presence of delegates from 194 Member States, worldwide specialists, and representatives of UNESCO’s international community. The Pageant of Lights is an annual dwelling custom celebrated in India. PM Narendra Modi welcomed UNESCO’s recognition of Diwali, stating that Deepavali is deeply linked to India’s tradition and ethos, and represents the very soul of our civilisation.
On the New Moon night time of Diwali, residences, thoroughfares, and temples are illuminated with quite a few oil lamps, emanating a heat golden glow that represents gentle overcoming darkness and righteousness triumphing over evil. Within the night, the sky is illuminated by a spectacular show of fireworks.
Rituals related to cleansing houses, markets and public areas promote hygiene and a wholesome way of life, whereas the approaching collectively of households and associates enhances social and emotional well-being.
The inscription of Deepavali on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Listing is a tribute to the thousands and thousands who rejoice it with devotion, to the artisans who maintain its traditions alive, and to the timeless rules it represents. It tells the world that India’s cultural heritage is just not merely remembered, it’s lived, liked, and handed ahead.
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