Deepavali (Diwali) is the festival of lights celebrated across India, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.

Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Q: When was Deepavali added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list?

Deepavali was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025.

Q: Why was Deepavali included in the UNESCO list?

It was added for its cultural significance, widespread community participation, ancient traditions, and its message of harmony, devotion, and celebration of light.

Q: What makes Deepavali culturally important?

Deepavali brings families and communities together, includes diverse regional rituals, and preserves ancient customs, crafts, prayers, and social values.

Q: Is Deepavali celebrated the same way across India?

No. While the spirit is the same, North India celebrates it as the homecoming of Lord Rama, whereas South India marks the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura.

Table of Contents☰

Why in News?

India’s Deepavali has recently been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity highlights and preserves living cultural traditions, practices, and expressions that communities value as part of their identity.

Recognises and safeguards living cultural traditions practised by communities worldwide.
Aims to promote cultural diversity, identity, and continuity of heritage.
Encourages international cooperation for preserving intangible cultural heritage.
Includes festivals, rituals, performing arts, traditional crafts, oral traditions, and community practices.
Helps raise global awareness about the importance of protecting cultural knowledge and traditions.
Ensures that these heritage elements are transmitted to future generations sustainably.

India’s Cultural Heritage on UNESCO’s List

16 India’s Cultural Heritage on UNESCO’s List have been tabulated below, along with the year of inscription and description for each cultural heritage.

India’s Cultural Heritage on UNESCO’s List
No.	Heritage Element	Year	Description
1	Deepawali	2025	Deepawali (Diwali) is a major Hindu festival symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated with lamps, prayers, sweets, and family gatherings, marking joy, prosperity, and new beginnings.
2	Nawrouz	2024	A traditional spring festival celebrating nature, the sun, the universe, renewal, and harmony. Marked by rituals that symbolize rebirth and the arrival of spring across Asia.
3	Garba of Gujarat	2023	A ritualistic and devotional dance performed during Navaratri to worship feminine energy (Shakti). Danced in circles, symbolizing creation and cosmic rhythm.
4	Durga Puja in Kolkata	2021	An annual festival celebrating Goddess Durga, marked by elaborate artistic pandals, rituals, cultural performances, and mass community participation.
5	Kumbh Mela	2017	One of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world, where devotees take a holy dip in sacred rivers believing it cleanses sin and leads to spiritual merit.
6	Yoga	2016	An ancient Indian philosophy and physical–spiritual discipline influencing health, meditation, education, and holistic well-being in society.
7	Traditional brass & copper utensil-making of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru	2014	A traditional craft involving hand-making brass and copper utensils using age-old techniques, metallurgy skills, and community-based craftsmanship.
8	Sankirtana of Manipur	2013	Ritual singing, drumming, and dancing performed during religious ceremonies and life-cycle events of the Vaishnava community of Manipur.
9	Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh	2012	Recitation of sacred Buddhist texts by lamas, reflecting the teachings, philosophy, and spiritual tradition of the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region.
10	Kalbelia Folk Songs & Dances of Rajasthan	2010	Traditional songs and dances of the Kalbelia community, evoking their history as snake charmers through fluid movements and distinct music.
11	Chhau Dance	2010	A dance-drama tradition depicting episodes from epics, folklore, and abstract themes, performed in three distinct regional styles in eastern India.
12	Mudiyettu – Ritual Theatre of Kerala	2010	A community-based ritual theatre depicting the mythological battle between Goddess Kali and demon Darika, performed by entire villages.
13	Ramman Festival of Garhwal	2009	An annual religious festival combining theatre, ritual, and dance to honor the local deity Bhumiyal Devta in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region.
14	Tradition of Vedic Chanting	2008	One of the oldest oral traditions, preserving Sanskrit hymns, philosophical verses, and ritual incantations passed down for over 3,500 years.
15	Ramlila – Traditional Performance of the Ramayana	2008	A dramatic folk re-enactment of Lord Rama’s life from the Ramayana, performed with song, narration, dialogue, and community participation.
16	Kutiyattam – Sanskrit Theatre	2008	A 2,000-year-old classical theatre form of Kerala, blending Sanskrit drama, elaborate gestures, acting styles, and temple rituals.

Deepawali (Diwali)

Deepawali, commonly known as Diwali, is one of India’s most important festivals symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated with lamps (diyas), prayers, family gatherings, sweets, and fireworks, it marks a time of spiritual renewal and cultural unity.

Different Forms of Deepawali in North and South India

1. Deepawali in North India

Celebrated to mark Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
Homes and streets are decorated with rows of lamps (diyas) to welcome Rama.
People perform Lakshmi Puja for prosperity and wealth.
Major rituals include lighting lamps, fireworks, exchanging sweets, and playing traditional games.
North India celebrates Diwali as a five-day festival including Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

2. Deepawali in South India

Primarily associated with Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi.
People wake up early, apply oil baths, and light lamps to symbolize the destruction of evil.
Celebrations begin a day earlier than in North India.
Temples hold special rituals, and homes are decorated with kolam (rangoli-style designs).
Firecrackers are burst early in the morning, and traditional sweets and meals are prepared.