UNESCO adds India’s Diwali festival to its intangible cultural heritage list, celebrating the festival of lights’ cultural significance.
NEW DELHI: UNESCO has added India’s festival of lights, Diwali, to its list of intangible cultural heritage.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a meeting of the United Nations cultural agency in New Delhi.
The list aims to raise awareness of cultural diversity and protect traditions for the future.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision in a social media statement.
“It is the soul of our civilisation,” Modi said, adding it would boost the festival’s global popularity.
The Delhi government is organising illumination events and a large lamp-lighting ceremony.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of Hinduism’s most significant festivals.
It is celebrated by millions globally, including by Sikh and Jain communities.
The five-day festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
Celebrations occur on a new moon day in late October or November.
Traditions include lighting lamps and bursting firecrackers.
In northern India, it marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
The festival is also associated with worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
India’s foreign ministry called it a “joyous moment” for the country.
