Diwali has been officially added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking a historic global recognition of India’s cultural legacy. Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar says the honour will boost global awareness of Indian traditions, festivals, and cultural identity.
In a landmark achievement for India’s cultural identity, the festival of Diwali has been officially included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The announcement was made by Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar during a session of the state assembly on Wednesday. He stated that this international recognition will play a major role in elevating Indian culture and strengthening its global presence.
Minister Shelar emphasised that the UNESCO designation for Diwali underscores the cultural depth, historical importance, and universal message embodied by the festival. “This year, under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra successfully secured the UNESCO designation for the Maratha Military Architecture, which is a tangible cultural heritage. The inclusion of Diwali in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a matter of immense pride for everyone. The Central government’s Ministry of Culture had nominated Diwali for the 2025-26 cycle,” he said.
According to Shelar, the festival of Diwali is far more than a celebration of lights. It symbolises a broader human journey rooted in universal values — moving from darkness to light, despair to hope, and struggle to success. He described Diwali as a festival that embodies the resilience, optimism, and spiritual strength that define Indian culture. “Diwali symbolises the journey from darkness to light, despair to hope, and struggle to success, embodying the positive spirit of life,” the minister added.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s strong cultural connection to the festival, Shelar noted that Diwali is deeply interwoven with the state’s agricultural customs and Marathi traditions. Farmers across rural regions have long celebrated the festival as a time of renewal, prosperity, and gratitude. Its historic roots, he said, stretch back centuries, making it one of the oldest and most revered festivals in India. “Diwali is a festival inextricably linked with Maharashtra’s agricultural culture and Marathi tradition. Its history is definitely ancient. The uniqueness of Indian culture lies in its nature-based festivals, which underscore its universal value. This recognition will help spread Indian festivals, traditions, and consequently, Indian culture across the world,” Shelar stated.
The minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for their leadership and continuous support in securing this recognition. He stated that the UNESCO listing reflects the Central government’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and presenting it to the world with dignity and pride.
The Department of Cultural Affairs explained that intangible cultural heritage encompasses living cultural expressions such as traditions, rituals, performing arts, festivals, and knowledge systems that are passed down through generations. Unlike tangible heritage, these elements are not physical monuments but living practices kept alive by communities. “Inclusion on the list is considered the highest global honour for a cultural practice. It brings international attention to the cultural element, fostering respect for other ways of life. It mobilises efforts and resources—both national and international—to protect and transmit the tradition to future generations. It reinforces the sense of identity and continuity among the communities that practice and transmit the tradition,” the Department said in its statement.
Experts believe that Diwali’s inclusion will significantly enhance global recognition of India’s traditions, cultural philosophy, and spiritual heritage. The festival is already celebrated widely across the world by Indian diaspora communities, but the UNESCO recognition gives it a new level of legitimacy and international visibility.
Cultural scholars state that this milestone will encourage further research, cultural exchange, and educational programs highlighting India’s festivals and values. It will also support tourism initiatives that aim to showcase India’s vibrant cultural calendar and attract international visitors.
| Also Read: Chaos in Lok Sabha as Election Reform Debate Intensifies |
As India celebrates this honour, the UNESCO listing of Diwali marks a moment of national pride and cultural affirmation. It reaffirms the enduring power of India’s traditions and their ability to inspire, unite, and enlighten communities across the globe.
