UNESCO has recognised Diwali the festival of lights as a world heritage event. It has been added in the list of intangible cultural heritage on Wednesday.
Diwali, the festival of lights was announced as an addition to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list on Wednesday. The announcement sparked celebrations across the country as the luminous festival became a world heritage event.
The United Nations cultural agency, meeting in the Indian capital New Delhi from Tuesday to Thursday, is examining dozens of nominations from as many as 78 countries.
The UNESCO’s list of cultural heritage aims to ignite the citizens and raise awareness about the diversity and tradition of various other cultures.
Protecting the cultural traditions in future will foster efforts for the upcoming generations to focus on heritage and different historical sects of the society.
The Delhi government is organising several events, including special illumination of buildings and decoration across major roads, along with a massive lamp-lighting ceremony.
Diwali is considered as one of the significant festivals in Hinduism as millions of Indians get together to celebrate the festival of lights by decorating their homes, distributing sweets and lighting diyas as a part of the tradition.
Triumph of good over evil
The tradition has historical roots and connects with Hindu mythology Ramayana. People from every religious background celebrate this five-day festival which symbolises triumph of good over evil.
Diwali is marked as the return of lord Ram to Ayodhya from exile after defeating the demon king Ravan. The addition of Diwali in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a proud moment for every Indian as the festival is strongly associated with the worship of the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.
“A joyous moment as Deepavali, the festival of lights marking the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya, which is celebrated globally, is added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list,” India’s foreign ministry said on X.
🔴 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
The Prime Minister of India took to X and wrote, “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.”
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… https://t.co/JxKEDsv8fT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2025
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