Diwali Gets UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Tag

• By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
• Dec 10, 2025
• 541

UNESCO has officially inscribed Diwali on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising the festival’s global cultural and spiritual significance. The announcement was made on Wednesday with the release of UNESCO’s updated Intangible Cultural Heritage list, which also features traditions from countries such as Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia and Egypt.

Reacting to the decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Diwali as “the soul of our civilization.” In a post on X, he said the festival is deeply connected to both culture and nature, symbolising knowledge, faith and righteousness. He added that UNESCO’s recognition will further enhance Diwali’s popularity across the world and hoped that the ideals of Lord Shri Ram would continue to guide humanity.

India now has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Prominent among them are Durga Puja (Kolkata), Kumbh Mela, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, and the Chhau dance.

The recognition comes at a time when New Delhi is hosting the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, scheduled from December 8 to 13. To mark the occasion and showcase India’s rich cultural identity to the world, the central government has announced a special Diwali celebration on December 10.

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list focuses on traditions, practices and cultural expressions that may not be physically tangible but are experienced collectively by communities. The aim is to protect, promote and pass on these living traditions to future generations.

With Diwali’s inclusion, India’s cultural footprint on the global stage has been further strengthened.