Deepavali on UNESCO Intangible Heritage List; PM Modi Hails

• India's Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the addition, stating it will boost the festival's global popularity and highlights its cultural and civilizational significance.
• This marks the 16th element from India to be included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, joining others like Kumbh Mela and Yoga.
• The decision was made during a UNESCO meeting hosted at the Red Fort in Delhi, with Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat delivering a statement.

Why It Matters: Deepavali's UNESCO listing elevates India's cultural heritage globally.