Diwali Gets UNESCO Heritage Status; See India's Other Inscribed Traditions

• Diwali, India's festival of lights, is slated for UNESCO Heritage Status inscription in 2025, celebrating diverse cultural and mythological traditions nationwide.
• Other Indian traditions with UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status include Garba (2023), Durga Puja (2021), and Kumbh Mela (2017).
• Yoga (2016), Utensil making among the Thatheras (2014), and Manipur’s Sankirtana (2013) are also recognized on the UNESCO list.
• Additional Indian traditions inscribed between 2008-2012 include Chhau dance, Kalbelia folk songs, Mudiyettu, Buddhist chanting of Ladakh, Ramman, Kutiyattam, Ramlila, and Vedic chanting.
• The Nowruz Persian New Year, celebrated in various countries including by Parsis in India, was inscribed in 2016, with its recognition extended to Mongolia in 2024.

Why It Matters: India's cultural traditions gain global recognition with UNESCO heritage status.