Paper: GS – I, Subject: Art and Culture, Topic: Religions and Festivals, Issue: UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Context:
During the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) meeting at the Red Fort Deepavali was officially added to the ICH list. This is the first time India is hosting the UNESCO ICH session.
Key Takeaways:
UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
- Deepavali is India’s latest addition to UNESCO’s list, following earlier inscriptions such UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity highlights and preserves living cultural traditions, practices, and expressions that communities value as part of their identity.
UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List?
- Established under the 2003 UNESCO Convention.
- Recognises living traditions such as festivals, rituals, performing arts, craftsmanship, and community practices. Purpose
- Safeguard traditions
- Support transmission across generations
- Promote cultural diversity
- Provide global recognition
India’s Cultural Heritage on UNESCO’s List:
| Deepawali – Deepawali (Diwali) is a major Hindu festival. (2025), | Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh (2012), |
| Nawrouz – A traditional spring festival celebrating nature, the sun, the universe, renewal, and harmony. (2024), | Kalbelia Folk Songs & Dances of Rajasthan (2010), |
| Garba of Gujarat (2023), | Chhau Dance (2010), |
| Durga Puja in Kolkata- A ritualistic and devotional dance. (2021), | Mudiyettu – Ritual Theatre of Kerala (2010), |
| Kumbh Mela – One of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. (2017), | Ramman Festival of Garhwal (2009), |
| Yoga (2016), | Tradition of Vedic Chanting (2008), |
| Traditional brass & copper utensil-making of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru (2014), | Ramlila: Traditional Performance of the Ramayana (2008), |
| Sankirtana of Manipur (2013), | Kutiyattam – Sanskrit Theatre (2008). |
Deepavali’s UNESCO recognition underscores India’s vibrant and plural cultural heritage. Beyond symbolic value, it creates momentum for safeguarding traditional arts, rituals, and crafts while enhancing India’s soft power.
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