Diwali has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The formal announcement of this inclusion will be made today, December 10th, at a ceremony held on the Red Fort in Delhi.
New Delhi: Diwali, one of India’s largest and most popular festivals, has now been officially included on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This is considered a historic achievement for India, from a cultural, historical, and global prestige perspective. The formal announcement will take place during a grand ceremony on the historic Red Fort in Delhi on December 10th.
This announcement is being made at a time when Delhi is hosting the 20th Intergovernmental Committee meeting of UNESCO. Representatives from around the world are attending this meeting and gaining insight into India’s cultural heritage. The inclusion of Diwali on this prestigious list is a moment of pride not only for India but also for the Indian communities residing worldwide.
Lights, Culture, and Tradition Converge at the Red Fort
The Red Fort will be the main venue for this international event, where illuminations, traditional dances and music, exhibitions of folk arts, and cultural performances will be organized. The entire complex is being specially decorated to present the spirit of Diwali and India’s cultural diversity in a spectacular manner on a global stage.
Major public sites, government buildings, and historical monuments in Delhi are also being decorated. Throughout the city, preparations are underway for lighting diyas (oil lamps), rangoli (colorful patterns), traditional music, and cultural programs, transforming the capital into a completely festive atmosphere.
Delhi Government to Host Diwali Festival
Delhi Culture Minister Kapil Mishra stated that a special Diwali celebration will also be organized at Delhi Haat by the Delhi government. The event will begin at 5 pm, featuring cultural performances alongside the lighting of diyas. On this occasion, the Delhi government will present Diwali as a symbol of India’s cultural identity on the global stage.
He added that this event is a significant step towards firmly establishing India’s rich cultural heritage on the international stage. The Indian government submitted a nomination proposal for Diwali to UNESCO in 2024. Following a detailed review by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee, it was granted approval to include it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. With this, Diwali has also been included in the category of other internationally recognized Indian traditions, such as Durga Puja, Garba, and the Kumbh Mela.
This recognition honors not just a religious festival, but also the social, cultural, and human values that have been passed down through generations through Diwali for centuries.
