The Capital is getting ready for a major cultural event as the Central government plans a special Diwali celebration on December 10. The timing matches India’s campaign to get Diwali added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list.

Delhi is also hosting the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage from December 8 to 13. With delegates from many countries in the city, the government sees this as a chance to highlight Diwali as an important part of India’s cultural identity.

The Red Fort has been chosen as the main venue for the celebrations. Top leaders and international guests will watch cultural performances, take part in lighting diyas, and explore exhibitions showing traditional Diwali-related arts.

To match the festive theme, the Centre has asked the Delhi government to brighten up key spots across the city. This includes lighting up important buildings, placing diyas in public areas, and organising small cultural events in different districts. The goal is to make Delhi look fully decorated for Diwali.

Delhi’s Cultural Minister Kapil Mishra told NDTV that the city will hold its own celebrations as well. "Tomorrow, the Delhi government will celebrate Diwali at Dilli Haat. The entire Cabinet will be present. All government buildings will be decorated, diyas will be lit at the Red Fort, and Diwali markets will be set up across the city," he said.

Preparations are already visible. On Tuesday evening, the Delhi Secretariat lit up with bright orange, white, and green colours. Golden lights along the roof added to the festive mood.

At the entrance, decorative LED lights were placed as officials worked late into the night to make sure the city looked ready for the UNESCO meet.

The minister said the December 10 showcase is meant as a cultural pitch, showing Diwali as a global symbol of harmony, light, and heritage. This effort supports India’s case for including the festival in UNESCO’s list. He also said that Diwali’s universal message of “moving from darkness to light” reflects India’s spiritual values and long cultural history.

The Delhi government has also asked people to join the celebrations in different parts of the city and take part with pride and unity as the Capital prepares to host the world’s attention.