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Diwali's UNESCO Triumph: How a Festival of Lights Wins Global Cultural Honor

Diwali has earned a spot on UNESCO's prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister shared the news, calling it a moment of immense pride for India. He explained that the festival represents the universal journey from darkness to light. This global recognition is expected to help spread Indian traditions and values worldwide.

Key Points: Diwali Included in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

  • Diwali was nominated by India's Ministry of Culture for the 2025-26 UNESCO cycle
  • The festival is deeply linked to Maharashtra's agricultural culture and Marathi traditions
  • UNESCO listing brings international attention and mobilizes resources for preservation
  • Inclusion reinforces cultural identity and continuity for communities that celebrate Diwali
2 min read

Diwali included in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar announces Diwali's inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a global honor for Indian culture.

"Diwali symbolises the journey from darkness to light, despair to hope, and struggle to success, embodying the positive spirit of life. - Ashish Shelar"

Nagpur, Dec 10

Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar on Wednesday informed the state assembly that Diwali has been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list and it will contribute significantly to promoting Indian culture around the world.

"This year, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra successfully secured the UNESCO designation for the Maratha Military Architecture, which is a tangible cultural heritage. The inclusion of Diwali in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a matter of immense pride for everyone. The Central government's Ministry of Culture had nominated Diwali for the 2025-26 cycle," said Minister Shelar in his statement.

He further added that Diwali symbolises the journey from darkness to light, despair to hope, and struggle to success, embodying the positive spirit of life.

"Diwali is a festival inextricably linked with Maharashtra's agricultural culture and Marathi tradition. Its history is definitely ancient. The uniqueness of Indian culture lies in its nature-based festivals, which underscore its universal value. This recognition will help spread Indian festivals, traditions, and consequently, Indian culture across the world," said the minister.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He attributed this historic recognition of India's rich cultural tradition to its consistent follow-up and leadership.

According to the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Intangible Cultural Heritage is about the living, non-physical expressions that are passed down from generation to generation.

"Inclusion on the list is considered the highest global honour for a cultural practice. It brings international attention to the cultural element, fostering respect for other ways of life. It mobilises efforts and resources (both national and international) to protect and transmit the tradition to future generations. It reinforces the sense of identity and continuity among the communities that practice and transmit the tradition," it said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While the recognition is great, I hope the focus remains on the festival's spiritual and cultural essence—the victory of good over evil—and not just on the political credit-taking. The minister's statement feels a bit too focused on crediting specific leaders.
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Sarah B
As someone who has celebrated Diwali with Indian friends here in the US, I'm thrilled! It's a beautiful festival with a universal message. This will help more people around the world understand and appreciate its significance.
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Rohit P
Absolutely fantastic! Diwali is not just a Hindu festival; in different forms, it's celebrated by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists across India. This recognition rightly highlights our shared cultural heritage. Jai Hind!
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Vikram M
Good step, but the real work begins now. We must ensure the festival's traditions are preserved authentically and passed on, not commercialized beyond recognition for a global audience. The 'living heritage' part is crucial.
M
Michael C
The minister's point about it being linked to agricultural culture is interesting. Many global festivals have roots in harvest seasons. It's a reminder of our deep connection with nature, which is more relevant than ever.

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