PM Modi Celebrates Deepavali's Historic Addition to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight on Wednesday regarding Deepavali's inclusion in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, noting that people across India and worldwide are thrilled by this recognition.

Speaking from New Delhi, PM Modi emphasized that Deepavali is deeply intertwined with Indian culture and ethos, representing the soul of their civilization.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote: "People in India and around the world are thrilled. For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival's global popularity even further."

He concluded his message by stating, "May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity."

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also celebrated this achievement on social media, describing it as "a historic day for India." He highlighted that during PM Modi's tenure, India's cultural heritage has received unprecedented global recognition, and this milestone further strengthens that journey.

Shekhawat added, "This honour celebrates the universal message of our festival of lights: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all. My gratitude to UNESCO and to every custodian of our timeless traditions. Jai Hind."

UNESCO confirmed the inscription on its official X handle, announcing: "BREAKING. New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!"

The recognition came during the assessment of 67 nominations from approximately 80 countries at the week-long session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which commenced at Delhi's Red Fort on Monday.

The 20th session of the Committee is being hosted at the iconic Mughal-era monument from December 8 to 13, marking the first time India has hosted a session of this UNESCO panel.

With Deepavali's addition, India now has 16 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including the Kumbh Mela, Kolkata's Durga Puja, Gujarat's Garba, Yoga, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Ramman, and Kutiyattam. This inclusion significantly enhances India's cultural prestige on the global stage.