Deepavali, India’s spectacular festival of lights, has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, joining 19 other cultural heritages featured in the 2025 list. This global recognition highlights the festival’s cultural importance, vibrancy, and deep-rooted traditions celebrated across India.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created this list to ensure better protection of important intangible cultural heritage across the world and to spread awareness of their significance. Along with Deepavali, the traditional saree weaving art of Tangail has also earned a place in the 2025 list.

What is the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?

According to UNESCO, “cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects”. It also includes:

• Traditions
• Living expressions
• Oral traditions
• Performing arts
• Social practices
• Rituals and festive events
• Knowledge and practices about nature and the universe
• Skills used to produce traditional crafts

UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as traditional, contemporary, and living at the same time. It is inclusive, representative, and community-based. These elements are considered essential for maintaining cultural diversity amid increasing globalisation. Understanding the intangible heritage of various communities helps foster intercultural dialogue and mutual respect for different ways of life.

What is UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List?

UNESCO believes that cultural heritage is not limited to historic places or physical structures. It also encompasses:

• Traditions
• Artistic expressions
• Rituals and festive events
• Skills and crafts
• Everyday cultural practices

These living traditions help preserve cultural diversity and promote respect and understanding among communities worldwide.

Why is Intangible Cultural Heritage Important?

Intangible cultural heritage is considered:

• Traditional and modern at the same time
• A reflection of community identity
• A source of social connection

These practices bring people together, pass on shared values, strengthen cultural bonds, and evolve along with communities. Protecting them ensures that future generations continue to learn, practice, and celebrate their cultural identity.

India’s Entries on the UNESCO List

In 2025, Deepavali became India’s newest entry on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. India already has several rich and diverse cultural traditions inscribed, including:

• Durga Puja of Kolkata
• Kumbh Mela
• Buddhist chanting of Ladakh
• Kalbelia dance of Rajasthan
• Chhau dance
• Vedic chanting

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity 2025 – Complete List