Deepavali now on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

India now has 16 elements on the list, including yoga, Kumbh Mela, Garba and Durga Puja

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Deepavali, the festival of lights celebrated by millions across the country and in many parts of the world, was on Wednesday inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement, made during a key meeting of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort in Delhi, drew loud chants of "Jai Hind", "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" from the audience.

Performers in traditional attire presented cultural pieces as images of Deepavali illuminated a large screen behind the main stage.

UNESCO describes intangible heritage as practices and traditions that cannot be physically touched but are vital to cultural identity. These include ideas, rituals, celebrations, stories, music, dance and craftsmanship. The organisation notes that inscription on the list signals global recognition that an element is precious and should be safeguarded for future generations. India already has 15 elements on the list, including yoga, Durga Puja of Kolkata, the Kumbh Mela, Garba of Gujarat, the tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila. Deepavali now

Becomes the sixteenth. India submitted its nomination dossier in 2023 for the 2024-25 cycle.