Deepavali Secures UNESCO Recognition: A Global Honour for India’s Festival of Lights

India’s cherished festival of lights, Deepavali, has earned a historic place on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Announced during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage at Delhi’s Red Fort, the inclusion marks a significant cultural milestone for the country. Delegates at the session celebrated the decision with chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” reflecting the emotional resonance of the moment. With this recognition, Deepavali stands alongside India’s most treasured cultural practices, further strengthening the nation’s global cultural identity.

People light earthen lamps, on the occasion of the Diwali at Lal Chowk, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. PTI/Representational image | Firstpost

Understanding UNESCO’s Recognition

UNESCO describes Deepavali as a living tradition rooted in community participation, intergenerational bonding, and cultural continuity. Rather than a static ritual, the festival encompasses dynamic practices that include decorating homes, lighting oil lamps, offering prayers, preparing festive meals, exchanging gifts, engaging in music and dance, and celebrating with fireworks. Recognizing Deepavali as intangible heritage underscores its significance as a symbol of unity and shared cultural memory across diverse regions of India.

The inscription also highlights the festival’s deeper philosophical meaning. For millions, Deepavali embodies the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated around the new moon between October and November and is marked by the symbolic illumination of homes, temples, and public spaces. UNESCO’s recognition affirms that Deepavali is not merely a celebration, but a cultural bridge that brings communities together across generations.

A Moment of Pride for India

Political leaders, cultural scholars, and spiritual communities across India welcomed UNESCO’s decision as an international acknowledgement of the festival’s enduring value. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Deepavali as “the soul of our civilisation,” emphasizing its profound connection to India’s cultural ethos. The recognition is also viewed as a boost for India’s cultural diplomacy, giving global visibility to the values and traditions that have shaped the country for centuries.

Deepavali now joins an esteemed list of India’s intangible heritage elements already recognized by UNESCO. These include iconic traditions such as Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela, Yoga, Ramleela performances, and various folk dances, chants, and artisanal practices. With each addition, India strengthens its position as a nation rich in cultural diversity and deep historical continuity. The inclusion also supports grassroots cultural ecosystems, especially artisans who craft diyas, lanterns, rangolis, traditional sweets, and festive decorations.

Deepavali's Global Cultural Impact

The new status elevates Deepavali’s global presence. Across nations—from Southeast Asia to the Caribbean—communities celebrate the festival with regional variations, maintaining its core message of hope, renewal, and unity. UNESCO’s recognition is expected to amplify international understanding of the festival’s heritage, encourage cross-cultural participation, and inspire greater research, documentation, and preservation efforts.

Beyond symbolism, the listing also has socio-economic implications. Deepavali sustains livelihoods for countless families engaged in traditional crafts, local markets, small-scale industries, and performing arts. With global attention flowing toward the festival, these cultural and economic ecosystems are likely to receive enhanced support.

The MGMM Outlook

Deepavali’s inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list stands as a proud moment for India, reflecting the global acknowledgment of a festival that has shaped cultural identity for centuries. The recognition highlights Deepavali not just as a celebration of lights, but as a living, dynamic tradition rooted in unity, family bonds, and community expression. The festival’s rituals—lighting diyas, decorating homes, preparing festive foods, offering prayers, and sharing joy—represent an enduring cultural rhythm that connects diverse regions and generations. This honour amplifies the emotional and civilizational significance of Deepavali, strengthening India’s presence on the global cultural stage.

The listing also reinforces the festival’s wider cultural and economic ecosystems, uplifting artisans, small businesses, and traditional craft communities whose livelihoods revolve around Deepavali. As the festival is celebrated across continents with local variations yet shared spirit, UNESCO’s recognition expands its global resonance, encouraging deeper international engagement and cultural exchange. With Deepavali joining India’s growing list of globally recognised heritage practices, the festival’s timeless message of light, hope, and renewal shines with even greater clarity, carrying India’s cultural legacy to a wider world.

(Sources: LiveMint, Firstpost, Indian Express)