Current development ·
Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Heritage list
Deepavali became India's 16th element on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, at the committee session India hosted at the Red Fort.
What changed
On 10 December 2025 the 20th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held at New Delhi's Red Fort (8–13 December 2025), inscribed Deepavali on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is the 16th Indian element on the list.
Foundation connections
Use ancient to modern continuities and change to discuss living traditions.
Exam use and limits
- Prelims: The list comes from UNESCO's 2003 Convention. Earlier Indian entries include Kumbh Mela (2017), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021) and Garba (2023).
- Mains: Living heritage is safeguarded through communities, not only through monuments.
Source: All India Radio News (Prasar Bharati)