Deepavali, one of India’s most popular and widely celebrated festivals, has received significant global recognition. UNESCO has included the festival in its Intangible Cultural Heritage List, acknowledging it as a cultural treasure that should be preserved and celebrated worldwide.

UNESCO announced the addition on its social media channels, describing Deepavali as a new entry in the list of “Living Heritage.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his happiness over the decision. He said people in India and across the world are “thrilled” by UNESCO’s move. In his tweet, he described Deepavali as a festival deeply rooted in India’s culture, values, and civilisation. He added that it represents “illumination and righteousness” and called the recognition a proud moment for the country.

The UNESCO listing shows Deepavali’s cultural importance and aims to promote the festival globally. Unlike historical monuments or sites, the Intangible Cultural Heritage List focuses on living traditions, including festivals, rituals, music, dance, crafts, and other cultural practices that communities actively celebrate and preserve.

By including Deepavali, UNESCO seeks to protect its cultural value, raise global awareness, and ensure that this centuries-old tradition continues to thrive for future generations.