Diwali on UNESCO Heritage List: India's 16th Global Cultural Recognition

• Diwali officially added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• The announcement was made at the 20th Unesco Intergovernmental Committee session in New Delhi, December 8-13, 2025.
• Diwali, known as Deepavali, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated globally by the Indian diaspora.
• With Diwali's inclusion, India now has sixteen elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
• Other Indian traditions on the list include Garba (2023), Durga Puja (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), and Yoga (2016).

Why It Matters: Diwali's UNESCO inclusion showcases India's globally recognized cultural wealth.