The inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity marks a watershed moment for India’s cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation. For a festival whose scale and spirit are unmatched anywhere in the world, this global endorsement is not merely symbolic-it reaffirms Deepavali’s profound civilizational significance while opening new avenues of socio-economic and cultural benefit for the country.
Deepavali has for centuries embodied India’s core ethos: the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It is celebrated across regions, religions, and communities, making it one of the few festivals that binds the nation in collective emotion and shared values. UNESCO’s recognition makes this living heritage part of a global narrative, placing Indian traditions firmly on the world stage. This achievement is especially significant considering the unparalleled magnitude of Deepavali celebrations in India. Few cultural events across the globe can match the luminosity, scale, and community participation seen during this festival. Streets transform into rivers of light, homes become theatres of tradition, and cities witness festivities that attract global attention even without formal recognition. With this new UNESCO tag, international curiosity, cultural study, and tourism will grow exponentially. Next year’s Deepavali is expected to draw record numbers of foreign visitors eager to witness the festival in its authentic, grand setting.
The Government deserves credit for its strategic foresight in pushing the nomination, which required meticulous documentation and international advocacy. This inscription not only honours India’s heritage but also strengthens its soft-power profile. Following the inclusion of Durga Puja, Garba, Yoga, Vedic chanting and other practices in previous years, Deepavali’s addition reinforces India’s status as a repository of diverse and vibrant cultural traditions. The recognition also carries responsibility. Deepavali must continue to be treated as a living heritage-practised, preserved, and passed on to future generations. This means supporting the artisans who craft its symbols, promoting sustainable and traditional practices, and ensuring that commercialisation does not dilute its cultural essence. UNESCO’s acknowledgement is a moment of national pride.
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