On Wednesday, December 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi let the nation know that people at home and abroad were excited to find out that Deepawali had been entered into UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He urged everyone to keep the principles of Lord Ram as a guiding light for humanity.
On X, Modi posted: “People in India and around the world are thrilled. For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further.” He added a hopeful prayer: “May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity.”
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also took to X, saying: “A historic day for India. Deepavali has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the tenure of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage is receiving unprecedented global recognition and this milestone strengthens that journey.” He finished with, “This honour celebrates the universal message of our festival of lights: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all. My gratitude to UNESCO and to every custodian of our timeless traditions. Jai Hind.”
UNESCO itself tweeted: “BREAKING. New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!”
The recognition followed a week‑long meeting of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which convened at Delhi’s Red Fort from 8 to 13 December. It was the first time this panel was held in India, at the famed Mughal‑era landmark.
India already has 15 entries 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. Adding Deepavali boosts the country’s cultural influence on the global stage.
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