Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Deepavali, one of India’s foremost cultural and spiritual festivals, was on December 10 included in the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List. UNESCO announced the development on its official X handle, stating: “BREAKING. New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!”
A total of 67 nominations submitted by nearly 80 countries, including India’s Deepavali festival, were examined during the week-long key session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which began at Delhi’s Red Fort on December 10.
This marks the first time India is hosting a session of the UNESCO panel. The Red Fort has been designated as the main venue, where top dignitaries and international representatives will witness cultural performances, ceremonial lighting of diyas, and curated exhibitions showcasing traditional arts associated with the festival. To ensure the city reflects the festive spirit, the Delhi government has been instructed to illuminate key buildings, install decorative lighting, place diyas across public spaces, and organise cultural programmes in various districts. The aim is to make the national capital appear as if it is glowing in full Diwali splendour.
Chhath Puja — a festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God — was also nominated for UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Union Ministry of Culture has written to the Sangeet Natak Akademi to review a proposal received in this regard and take appropriate action.
