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Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking the 16th Indian tradition to receive this honor. This recognition occurred during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, hosted by India in New Delhi. The committee is reviewing 67 nominations from 79 countries. NEW DELHI: In a landmark recognition, Deepavali has been added to Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming the 16th Indian tradition to earn the honour, joining the ranks of Yoga and Durga Puja.Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings over this saying, “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. May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity.” UNESCO Adds Diwali To Heritage List Marking A Landmark Global Recognition For India’s Culture “A historic day for India. Deepavali has been officially inscribed on the Unesco List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the tenure of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage is receiving unprecedented global recognition and this milestone strengthens that journey. 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,” said culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.In the same round of additions, Unesco also inscribed “Georgian wheat culture: traditions and rituals” from Georgia, recognising the nation’s centuries-old agricultural heritage. The inscription of Deepavali on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list comes as part of a significant global review underway in New Delhi, where the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is being held from December 8 to 13 at the historic Red Fort. This marks the first time India has hosted the prestigious Unesco panel, which is tasked with evaluating cultural practices, traditions, and expressions from around the world for international recognition and protection.During the nearly week-long session, the committee is examining 67 nominations submitted by 79 countries, including India’s entry of the Deepavali festival. The assessments form part of Unesco’s larger mandate to safeguard cultural traditions that hold historical, artistic, or social value, ensuring their continuity for future generations. The global diversity of this year’s submissions — ranging from festivals and rituals to agricultural and craft traditions — underscores the expanding scope of the intangible heritage programme and the growing international interest in preserving living cultural practices.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUNESCO Adds Diwali To Heritage List Marking A Landmark Global Recognition For India’s CultureOver 100 Opposition MPs Move to Remove Madras HC Judge GR Swaminathan’Best Offers Ever’: US Official Reveals India Trade Talks Details, Says It Marks Unusual OpeningAmazon Announces Landmark $35B Investment In India To Drive Digital TransformationPakistan Army Spokesperson Faces Backlash for Winking at Reporter in Viral VideoSingapore Leader Says India Achieved Reforms Once Seen Impossible, Praises Scale and Global ClarityImran Khan’s Sisters Allege Illegal Isolation, Stage Protest Outside Adiala JailRussian President Putin Praises India’s Unity in Diversity, Calls It A Blueprint For Big NationsUS Consumers Facing Food Inflation as Tariffs Hit Indian Rice Imports: Exporters Body’Singapura Derived From Sanskrit’: Singapore’s Ex-Deputy PM Highlights India’s Influence123PhotostoriesBrown rice vs white rice: Which is really healthier?9 Ram Mantras Based On Your Birth DateHarvard-trained gastroenterologist shares 5 best food combinations that support gut and liver healthPediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease on the rise: What Hyderabad doctor wants parents to know to reduce the occurrence?10 child stars who are proud parents nowBengaluru’s Yeshwantpur station revamp — Rs 380-cr upgrade powering ahead toward a world-class stationWhich Birth Numbers Are Guided By Their AncestorsTravel back 1,000 years: 10 ancient temples in India still standing and open to travellers8 habits smart people find calming that drive others crazyBoiled eggs vs omelette: Which one deserves a place on a heart-healthy plate?123Hot PicksCandace OwensCharlie KirkWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingGracie MansionUAE Player TimingAnthony Richardson InjuryTriston JarryVenus Williams and Andrea Net WorthSlient Hill 1 Remake Release DateRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthTrey Benson Injury updateUPPSC PET ResultGurgaon Man Chicken Momos