Deepavali 2026: Know Why the Festival of Lights Is a UNESCO Heritage Element

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is one of the India’s most widely celebrated festivals. Which is also known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated by diverse communities across India and around the world, the festival brings families and communities together through prayers, lamps, sweets, gifts and cultural activities. In December 2025, Deepavali received international recognition when it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Deepavali Part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Deepavali was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (20.COM) in 2025.

This was announced on 10th December 2025 at the Red Fort, New Delhi. This made the recognition extra special as it was the first time that India had hosted the UNESCO committee.

The nomination was made by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It was one of 67 nominations considered.

About Deepavali (Diwali)

Deepavali is an annual festival of lights celebrated by diverse individuals and communities across India. The word Deepavali refers to a row or series of lamps. The festival represents the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.

Hindu Lunar Calendar based festival celebrated on the New Moon Day (Amavasya) of Kartika month. This usually falls in October or November. The celebrations last for several days with various rituals and traditions practiced according to region and community.

The festival is associated with the end of the harvest season in several parts of India and the beginning of a new year or season in some regional traditions.

Main Traditions and Rituals of Deepavali

There are many traditions that are carried out to celebrate Deepavali. These include,

• Lighting of Lamps: Traditional oil lamps (diyas), candles and lights are used to illuminate homes, temples and public areas.
• Cleaning and Decorating: Homes are cleaned by families and decorated using rangoli, flowers and other traditional decorations.
• Prayers and rituals: People offer prayers for prosperity, well-being and new beginnings. Lakshmi Puja is an important ritual in many communities.
• Exchange of sweets and gifts: Families and friends exchange sweets, gifts and greetings.
• Community celebrations: Music, dance, festive meals and cultural programmes bring people together.
• Fireworks: Fireworks are traditionally used in many celebrations, although practices vary across communities.

Significance of Deepavali in culture

This festival represents culture by bringing people together and having common traditions. Families pass down traditions by engaging the children in the activities.

Traditions such as preparing, lighting lamps, rituals and cooking traditional food are taught by elders. Other places that help pass down traditions include temples, schools, cultural groups and online.

The festival involves people of different ages, genders and backgrounds. It encourages values such as kindness, gratitude, hope, togetherness and generosity.

Deepavali also supports local livelihoods by creating demand for products and services associated with the celebrations, including:

• Pottery and traditional clay lamps.
• Decorative items and handicrafts.
• Sweets and traditional food products.
• Flowers and festive decorations.
• Clothing and other household products.

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted in 2003. It aims to protect living cultural traditions and practices passed down through generations.

Intangible cultural heritage includes traditions, knowledge and skills that communities recognise as part of their cultural heritage. These may include performing arts, rituals, festivals, traditional craftsmanship and oral traditions.

UNESCO maintains the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to improve awareness of cultural diversity and recognise the importance of safeguarding living traditions.

India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements

With the inscription of Deepavali in 2025, India had 16 elements on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, according to the Ministry of Culture’s announcement.

Intangible Cultural Heritage & It’s Element

1. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit Theatre
2. Tradition of Vedic Chanting
3. Ramlila – Traditional Performance of the Ramayana
4. Ramman – Religious Festival and Ritual Theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas
5. Mudiyettu – Ritual Theatre and Dance Drama of Kerala
6. Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances of Rajasthan
7. Chhau Dance
8. Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh
9. Sankirtana – Ritual Singing, Drumming and Dancing of Manipur
10. Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Utensil Making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab
11. Yoga
12. Nowruz
13. Kumbh Mela
14. Durga Puja in Kolkata
15. Garba of Gujarat
16. Deepavali