Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed UNESCO’s decision to add Diwali — or Deepavali — to its representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, calling the recognition a proud moment for India. The announcement was made on Wednesday during the ongoing UNESCO committee meeting in Delhi.
In response to the sign, the Prime Minister wrote on X that people “in India and around the world are thrilled by this development”. “For us, Deepavali is very closely associated with our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilization. It personifies enlightenment and justice,” he said. Modi added that UNESCO recognition would further enhance the festival’s global visibility. “May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Rama guide us through eternity,” he wrote.
The annual meeting of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is being held in Delhi from Tuesday to Thursday. Delegates from 78 countries judge dozens of nominations with the aim of promoting and protecting living cultural practices around the world. UNESCO states that the purpose of the list is to raise awareness of cultural diversity and ensure the protection of traditions for future generations.
To mark the occasion, the Delhi government has planned a series of events, including special lighting of key buildings, decorations along major thoroughfares and a grand lamp-lighting ceremony.
As one of the most celebrated festivals in India, Diwali holds significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The five-day festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil and is celebrated worldwide by the Indian diaspora. Ceremonies usually involve lighting oil lamps, decorating houses, sharing sweets and bursting firecrackers. In many parts of northern India, Diwali coincides with Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, while the festival is also associated with the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs called the inscription “a joyous moment”, noting that the global celebration of Deepavali and its themes of renewal and hope made it a significant addition to the UNESCO heritage list.
