Diwali gets UNESCO nod, enters list of Intangible Cultural Heritage
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Great news has arrived for India. Regarding Diwali, the festival of lights, information has emerged that is a matter of pride for all of India. UNESCO has included Diwali in its Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Ministry of External Affairs has also responded. Meanwhile, Diwali will be celebrated again today in the national capital, New Delhi.
Congratulating India on behalf of UNESCO, the social media platform wrote, "New addition to the list of intangible heritage: Diwali, India. Congratulations!"
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs wrote on the X, “It is a joyous moment as Diwali, the festival of lights, which symbolises the victory of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya, celebrated across the world, has been added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "People in India and around the world are overjoyed. For us, Diwali is closely linked to our culture and traditions. It is the soul of our civilization. It symbolizes light and goodness. The inclusion of Diwali on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List will further enhance the festival's popularity worldwide. May the ideals of Lord Shri Ram always guide us."
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "Delighted to learn about the inclusion of 'Diwali' in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognises the immense cultural, religious and spiritual significance of the festival and its role in bringing people together."
Just a day before, Delhi's Culture Minister Kapil Mishra had said, "On December 10th, the Delhi government, along with the entire cabinet, will celebrate Diwali at Delhi Haat. All government buildings will be decorated, lamps will be lit at the Red Fort, and Diwali markets will be set up at all the city's intersections. All this will happen if UNESCO recognizes Diwali as an intangible cultural heritage. As soon as this recognition is granted, Delhi will be illuminated, fairs will be held, fireworks will be displayed, and the Red Fort will be bathed in light."
It should be noted that Kolkata's Durga Puja is also included in this UNESCO list. The Indian government is working to include the Chhath festival in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage sites. PM Modi shared this information in the 126th episode of "Mann Ki Baat." He stated that the Indian government is working to include the Chhath festival in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage sites.