The world is full of beautiful traditions, skills and practices that are passed down from one generation to another. These cultural expressions show how people celebrate life, share knowledge and stay connected to their roots. Every year, UNESCO selects some of these important traditions to highlight and protect. The 2025 list brings together unique customs from different countries, showing the rich cultural diversity of our world.
UNESCO believes that cultural heritage is not only about buildings or historic places. It also includes traditions, artistic expressions, rituals, festive events, and skills that people continue to practice in their daily lives. These living traditions help preserve diversity in a fast-changing world and promote respect and understanding among communities.
Intangible cultural heritage is considered traditional and modern at the same time. It grows with communities and reflects their identity. These practices bring people together, pass on values, and strengthen social bonds. Protecting them ensures that future generations can continue to learn and celebrate their culture.
In 2025, Deepavali, the vibrant festival of lights, became the newest Indian tradition added to the UNESCO list. India already has several other entries, such as Durga Puja of Kolkata, Kumbh Mela, Ladakh’s Buddhist chanting, Kalbelia dance of Rajasthan, Chhau dance, and Vedic chanting. These traditions showcase India’s deep cultural roots and diversity.
Along with Deepavali, UNESCO listed various cultural elements from around the world for 2025. Each reflects the history, lifestyle, and creativity of its community. Here is the complete list:
| S. No. | Heritage | Country/ Region |
| 1. | Amateur theatre acting in Czechia | Czechia |
| 2. | Bagpipes and bagpipe playing: skills and transmission | Bulgaria |
| 3. | Behzad’s miniature art style | Afghanistan |
| 4. | Bisht (men’s Abaa): making skills and traditions | Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE |
| 5. | Brussels’ rod marionette tradition | Belgium |
| 6. | Christmas Bram and Sambai | Belize |
| 7. | Commandaria wine | Cyprus |
| 8. | Cuarteto music, dance and lyrics | Argentina |
| 9. | Deepavali | India |
| 10. | Family tradition circus | Chile |
| 11. | Festivity of the Virgen of Guadalupe | Bolivia |
| 12. | Gifaataa, Wolaita New Year festival | Ethiopia |
| 13. | Guruna, pastoral and artistic retreats | Chad, Cameroon |
| 14. | Hadrami Dan gathering | YemenJoropo, Venezuela |
| 15. | Koshary: daily dish and associated practices | Egypt |
| 16. | Mvet Oyeng musical art | Gabon, Cameroon, Congo |
| 17. | Confraternity of flowers and palms | El Salvador |
| 18. | Practice of Cuban Son | Cuba |
| 19. | Zaffa in traditional wedding | Djibouti, Comoros, UAE, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania, Somalia |
| 20. | Traditional saree weaving art of Tangail | Bangladesh |
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