Deepavali on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, announced at the 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session at New Delhi’s Red Fort from December 8-13, 2025.

It is the 16th Indian element on this list. In Nepal, a Musical Bhajan evening with the lighting of lamps in the Pashupati temple premises was organised in celebration of the inscription of Deepavali in UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Other UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage from India are Garba of Gujarat (2023), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Yoga (2016), Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making (Thatheras of Punjab) (2014), Sankirtana (Manipur) (2013), Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012), Chhau dance (2010), Kalbelia folk songs and dances (Rajasthan) (2010), Mudiyettu (Kerala) (2010), Ramman (Garhwal Himalayas) (2009), Kuttiyattam (Sanskrit theatre) (2008), Tradition of Vedic chanting (2008), Ramlila (Traditional performance of the Ramayana) (2008). 

The inscription was adopted in the presence of delegates from 194 Member States, international experts, and representatives of UNESCO’s global network. The Festival of Lights is an annual living tradition celebrated in India.