Delhi's Unprecedented December Diwali Celebration to Boost UNESCO Heritage List Application

On Tuesday evening, the Delhi Secretariat was illuminated with a spectacular display of festive colors, signaling the beginning of an unprecedented celebration.

New Delhi is preparing for an extraordinary cultural demonstration as the Central government organizes a special Diwali celebration on December 10, strategically coinciding with India's application for the festival's inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list.

The capital city is currently hosting the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage, a six-day international gathering running from December 8 to 13. With international delegates present in the city, the government is leveraging this opportunity to showcase Diwali as a quintessential element of India's cultural identity.

The historic Red Fort has been designated as the primary venue where distinguished dignitaries and international representatives will experience cultural performances, the traditional lighting of diyas, and carefully curated exhibitions highlighting the traditional arts associated with the festival.

To ensure the entire city reflects the festive atmosphere, the Delhi government has received instructions to illuminate key landmarks, install decorative lighting, place diyas throughout public spaces, and organize cultural programs across various districts. The objective is to transform the Capital into a city celebrating Diwali in its full splendor.

In conversation with NDTV, Delhi's Cultural Minister Kapil Mishra confirmed that the city administration will conduct its own celebrations in coordination with the larger event. "Tomorrow, the Delhi government will celebrate Diwali at Dilli Haat. The entire Cabinet will attend. All government buildings will be adorned, diyas will be lit at the Red Fort, and Diwali markets will be established throughout the city," he stated.

The preparations are already evident. By Tuesday evening, the Delhi Secretariat was brilliantly illuminated with festive colors - orange, white, and green lighting adorned the facade, while golden roofline illumination added a celebratory ambiance.

Decorative LEDs framed the entrance as officials worked into the late hours to prepare the city's visual setting for the UNESCO events.

The minister explained that the December 10 showcase is designed as a cultural presentation, positioning Diwali as a global symbol of harmony, light, and heritage, thereby strengthening India's case for its inclusion in UNESCO's prestigious list. He further noted that Diwali's universal message of "transitioning from darkness to light" makes it a powerful representation of India's spiritual traditions and cultural continuity.

The Delhi government has also encouraged citizens to participate in celebrations across the city, inviting people to join the festivities with a spirit of unity and cultural pride as the Capital prepares to welcome the global spotlight.