“Happy moment”: India is pleased that Deepawali has been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Happy moment: India on Wednesday hailed the inclusion of Deepawali on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a “jolly moment.”

“A joyous moment as Deepavali, the festival of lights, marking the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya, which is celebrated globally, is added to the @UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on social media platform ‘X’.

UNESCO posted the news earlier in the day with the caption, “BREAKING,” on its official X account. Deepavali, India, has been added to the #IntangibleHeritage List. “Congratulations!”

The week-long crucial session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage started Monday at Delhi’s Red Fort and reviewed 67 nominations submitted by over 80 countries, including India’s Deepavali festival.

From December 8 to 13, the Committee’s 20th session will take place at the famous landmark from the Mughal Empire. India is holding a UNESCO panel discussion for the first time.

Top dignitaries and foreign delegates will attend cultural performances, ceremonial diya lighting, and carefully organized displays including traditional arts related to the festival at the Red Fort, which has been chosen as the primary location.

The Delhi administration has been directed to install ornamental lights, put diyas around public areas, light important structures, and host cultural events in different districts in order to guarantee that the city reflects the festive atmosphere. The goal is to give the impression that the nation’s capital is aglow in all its Diwali glory.

The festival of Chhath Puja, which honors the Sun God, was also was up for inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In order to consider a suggestion submitted in this respect and take suitable action, the Union Ministry of Culture has written to the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage now includes 15 aspects of India, such as the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja in Kolkata, Gujarat’s Garba, Yoga, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Ramman, and Kutiyattam. India’s cultural standing on the international scene is further enhanced by Deepavali’s participation.

In order to improve the preservation of significant cultural traditions worldwide and raise awareness of their importance, UNESCO created the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In addition to the artifacts, items, instruments, and cultural places that are recognized by communities or people as part of their cultural heritage, the list includes live manifestations and traditions, such as skills, knowledge, expressions, representations, and practices.