Deepavali Added to UNESCO ICH List

Syllabus- Culture [GS Paper-1]

12/12/2025

27 1 minute read

Context

Deepavali has been listed in UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humankind in the 20 th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in New Delhi.

About Deepavali

Deepavali or Diwali is observed on Kartik Amaavasya which generally occurs in October or November.
Houses, streets and shrines are lit with several oil lamps.
This festival begins with Dhanteras, which is the time when families buy metalware or necessities as a sign of good fortune.
It is succeeded by Naraka Chaturdashi.
The Deepavali-the holy Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja on the third day is the most important one.

Popular Legends of Deepavali

In the Ramayana, it denotes the re-entry of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana into Ayodhya after a 14-year long exile and the conquest they do on Ravana which is marked by the lighting of lamps on their way.
In the Mahabharata, it is the reappearance of the Pandavas following their exile.
Naraka Chaturdashi is a reminder of the triumph of Lord Krishna over Narakasura that marks the destruction of wickedness.
On Deepavali in Pavapuri, Lord Mahavira, the 24 th Tirthankar reached Nirvana. The festival is celebrated by the Jain devotees as Nirvana Day.
Homecoming of King Bali: Deepavali in Maharashtra is the coming of king Bali, which is an expression of justice and liberalism.
Kali Puja: Deepavali in Bengal, Odisha and Assam are better known as Kali Puja, the protection and inner power of Goddess Kali.

About the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Intangible cultural heritage, involves practices, knowledge, expressions, objects and places that communities regard as their cultural identity.
- - Transmitted through generations, the heritage changes, making cultural identity and diversity appreciation stronger.
The Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage came into use in 2003 at the 32nd general conference of UNESCO in Paris.
- - India acceded to the convention in the year 2005.
To this day 16 Indian elements are registered on the UNESCO Representative List (including Deepavali) and the nation has been serving on the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee three times.