How Did Deepavali Travel From Indian Homes to UNESCO’s Global Heritage Map?

In a development that has left many wondering how a centuries-old, community-driven festival grew into a global cultural emblem, Deepavali was today officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The announcement was made during the 20th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

The decision was adopted in the presence of Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, senior officials, and delegates from 194 Member States, alongside international experts and representatives of UNESCO’s global network.

Calling the moment “immensely proud for India,” the Union Minister said Deepavali captures the enduring human aspiration expressed in “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya”—a journey from darkness to light that continues to resonate across cultures and continents. What began as a domestic, community festival, he noted, has evolved into a global celebration, prompting reflection on how its message travelled so far, and why it still feels timeless.

Emphasising the living and people-driven nature of the festival, the Minister highlighted the millions who sustain Deepavali each year—potters moulding traditional diyas, artisans shaping festive décor, farmers and sweet-makers preparing seasonal offerings, priests conducting rituals, and families preserving customs passed down through generations. The inscription, he said, is a tribute to this vast ecosystem that quietly keeps the tradition alive.

The Minister also acknowledged the Indian diaspora, whose celebrations in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Gulf, Europe, and the Caribbean have carried Deepavali’s spirit across borders and deepened cultural connections worldwide.

With the inscription comes a renewed responsibility to safeguard the festival’s heritage. The Minister urged citizens to uphold the spirit of unity and inclusivity that defines Deepavali and to continue supporting India’s diverse intangible traditions.

Recognised for its broad cultural significance, Deepavali stands out as a people’s festival that brings together communities across regions and the global Indian diaspora. Its practices—lighting diyas, creating rangoli, performing rituals, gathering as families and communities, and passing on traditions—have helped it adapt across time, geography, and generations.

The nomination, prepared by the Ministry of Culture through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, followed one of the most extensive nationwide consultations undertaken for such recognition. Practitioners, artisans, agrarian groups, diaspora members, individuals with special needs, transgender communities, cultural organisations, and bearers of tradition all contributed their testimonies, showcasing Deepavali’s inclusive nature and its far-reaching network of livelihoods.

UNESCO’s inscription recognises Deepavali as living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional craftsmanship, fosters generosity and wellbeing, and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals linked to livelihoods, gender equality, cultural education, and community welfare.

Welcoming the decision, the Ministry of Culture said the recognition will enhance global understanding of India’s intangible cultural legacy and bolster efforts to protect community-based traditions for future generations.

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