UNESCO adds Diwali to global cultural heritage list
With this recognition, Diwali becomes the 16th Indian tradition to join UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
UNESCO, the United Nations agency for education, science, and culture, has officially added Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, highlights the global significance of the festival, which celebrates the victory of good over evil.
More To Read
- Interior Ministry authorises fireworks displays on Sunday in celebration of Diwali
- Climate crisis imperils 43 per cent of world heritage sites, says IUCN
- Egypt's Khaled el-Enany nominated as UNESCO’s director-general
- Egypt reopens Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s tomb after 20 years of restoration
- World Teachers’ Day 2025: UNESCO warns poor support systems are driving teachers out of the profession
- UNESCO unveils virtual museum of world's stolen cultural objects
“People in India and around the world are thrilled,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X following the recognition.
He described Diwali as “the soul of our civilisation,” and added that the UNESCO listing “will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further.”
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is among the most important festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated by millions of people across India and the world, including followers of Sikhism and Jainism. The five-day festival occurs on the new moon day in either October or November and is marked by lights, prayers, feasts, and family gatherings.
With this recognition, Diwali becomes the 16th Indian tradition to join UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
It joins other notable Indian traditions such as yoga, the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage, and Kolkata’s Durga Puja Festival.
The UNESCO members are currently meeting in New Delhi to review numerous nominations submitted by 78 countries.
This year, the list has grown to include diverse traditions that reflect the cultural richness of different communities worldwide. Some of the new additions include:
Koshary, Egypt’s popular street food
Al-Muhaibis, a traditional game played during Ramadan in Iraq
Gifaataa, the Wolaita people’s New Year festival in Ethiopia
Commandaria, one of Cyprus’ oldest wines
Highlife music and dance from Ghana
Circus traditions in Chile
Other Topics To Read
Iceland’s swimming pool culture, which plays a central role in the country’s social life
“Swimming pool culture holds a special and important place in the daily life of Icelanders,” Lilja Alfredsdottir, Iceland’s former Minister of Culture and Trade, said in 2024, when the nomination was announced.
She added, “Meeting in the hot tub or taking the family swimming is a social connection which is invaluable and makes its mark, not only physically, but spiritually as well.”
Top Stories Today
