New Delhi: India’s beloved festival of lights, Deepavali, has officially been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made as part of the 2025 list, which includes 20 cultural heritages from around the world.
UNESCO’s representative list aims to safeguard living traditions, social practices, festivals, folk arts, and traditional knowledge systems that have been integral to societies’ cultural identity for generations. This year, in addition to Deepavali, Bangladesh’s Tangail sari weaving tradition was also included in the prestigious list.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?
According to UNESCO, cultural heritage is not limited to monuments or physical objects; it also encompasses living traditions passed down through generations. These include folk tales, dance, music, festivals, social rituals, and traditional skills, which form a vital part of community identity. In the era of globalization, safeguarding these practices is crucial for preserving cultural diversity worldwide.
India’s Other UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Traditions
India has several traditions already recognized in this distinguished list, including:
- Durga Puja, Kolkata (2021)
- Kumbh Mela (2017)
- Nowruz (2016)
- Thatheras Metal Craft, Jandiala Guru, Punjab (2014)
- Sankirtana, Manipur (2013)
- Buddhist chanting tradition, Ladakh (2012)
- Chhau Dance, Kalbelia Dance, Mudiyettu (2010)
- Raman Festival, Garhwal (2009)
- Koodiyattam Sanskrit Theater, Ramleela, and Vedic Chants (2008)
The inclusion of Deepavali in UNESCO’s list underscores India’s rich cultural heritage and the global recognition of its vibrant festivals, reinforcing the country’s centuries-old traditions and their significance in contemporary society.
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