Deepavali Enters UNESCO Heritage List

11 Dec 2025

Deepavali Enters UNESCO Heritage List

Deepavali,  India’s iconic Festival of Lights  has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list (2025), during UNESCO’s 20th Intergovernmental Committee session at the Red Fort, New Delhi.

  • It is recognised as a “living heritage” that promotes generosity, well-being, and community spirit.

About Deepavali

  • Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a light festival celebrated annually by diverse individuals and communities across India.
  • It marks the last harvest of the year and the start of a new year and new season. 
  • It falls on the new moon in October or November, based on the lunar calendar.
  • It is a joyous occasion that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
  • During this time, people clean and decorate their homes and public spaces, light lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and offer prayers for prosperity and new beginnings.
  • A vibrant expression of shared heritage and identity, Deepavali strengthens social bonds, promotes inclusivity, and encourages values such as. 

About Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

  • Intangible cultural heritage comprises practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural identity and transmit across generations.

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Key Characteristics

  • ICH must be community-recognized, transmitted over time, and contribute to identity, continuity, and respect for cultural diversity.
  • UNESCO-Inscribed ICH of India: India has 16 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) elements, including:
    • Ramlila (North India, 2008), Ramman (2009), Kutiyattam (Kerala, 2008), Vedic Chanting (Pan-India, 2008), Mudiyettu (Kerala, 2010), Chhau Dance (Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, 2010), Kalbelia (Rajasthan, 2010), Ladakh Buddhist Chanting (Ladakh, 2012), Sankirtana (Manipur, 2013), Thathera Craft (Punjab, 2014), Yoga (India, 2016), , Kumbh Mela (India, 2017), Durga Puja (Kolkata, 2021), Garba (Gujarat, 2023), Nowruz (Parsi, India, 2024), Deepavali (2025).

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Integration of PYQ within the booklet
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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