The Indian Festival Diwali was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking a significant recognition of its cultural importance, as announced at the Intergovernmental Committee session in New Delhi.
Diwali Festival is India’s 16th cultural element to receive this honour, joining other famous traditions in India like Durga Puj Festival of Kolkota, Garba, a Gujarati folk dance, the Hindu pilgrimage of Kumbh Mela, Vedic chants, and Yoga, that famous group of mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India.
The official announcement took place during the 20th session of UNESCO’s committee in New Delhi, recognizing Diwali Festival as a shared heritage that strengthens social bonds, promote inclusivity, and embodies values like kindness, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness.
The nomination process highlighted the deep community involvement, with elders passing traditions to younger generations through stories and participation, ensuring its continuity.
Diwali in rooted Indian culture and beliefs symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, it occurs on the new moon day in either late October or November and extends over several days, each of which is associated with specific rituals.
During this holiday homes are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps (diyas), electric lights, candles, emphasizing prosperity, family gatherings, the success of new beginnings, a fresh start for the new year, with celebrations varying across cultures but centred on light, joy and community. Fireworks and firecrackers light up the nights, symbolizing happiness and the victory of good.
During Diwali Lakshmi Puja is a central ceremony involves praying to Goddess Lakshmi, a principal Hindu deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, known as the consort of Vishnu, often depicted as a beatiful woman on a lotus with four arms holding lotuses or gold coins, with elephants aoinnting her, symbolizing abundance and purity. The deity represents both material and spiritual wealth, forming the Tridevi with Saraswati and Parvati and the ceremony is often taking place on the main Diwali day.
One of the iconic symbols of Diwali is the “rangoli”, a traditional, intricate, colourful patterns made from powders, rice or petals creates on floors. It usually depicts lotus flowers or ornamental motifs whose purpose is to bring good fortune and also “confuse” evil spirits.India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali’s inclusion on the UNESCO list, calling the holiday “the soul of Indian civilization.”
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