UNESCO Includes Diwali in Intangible Cultural Heritage List
New Delhi: The UNESCO on Wednesday included Diwali in its Intangible Cultural Heritage list during an event held at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was expanded at the event, which saw the participation of Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh, delegates from 194 member states and other UNESCO representatives.
The announcement of Diwali’s inclusion in the list came during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is being held from December 8-13 in the national capital.
“Deepavali is a time for people, families and communities to come together to exchange gifts and sweets, share meals, and celebrate with music, dance and rituals. The practice involves people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It is passed on informally within families and communities, with elders teaching children how to perform rituals and prepare for the celebrations through stories and hands-on participation,” UNESCO said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said people in India and around the world were thrilled at the UNESCO honour. “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,” he said in a post on X.
Other additions to the list include:
- Koshary, Egypt's street food staple
- Al-Muhaibis, a game typically played during the month of Ramadan in Iraq
- Gifaataa, Wolaita people's New Year festival in Ethiopia
- Commandaria from Cyprus, one of the oldest wines
- Ghana's highlife music and dance
- Chile's circus traditions
- Icelandic swimming pools
- Italian cooking
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