A Global Recognition for India’s Festival of Lights
Diwali’s recent inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity marks a defining moment for one of India’s most widely celebrated traditions. The announcement came during UNESCO’s 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intangible Heritage—hosted in Delhi’s historic Red Fort complex—turning the city into a symbolic backdrop for a festival now acknowledged as a global cultural treasure.
For India, the timing adds significance: New Delhi not only presented the nomination but also hosted delegates from nearly 200 member states, transforming the Diwali inscription into both a cultural triumph and a soft-power showcase.
Why UNESCO Recognised Diwali
India had proposed “Deepavali—the Festival of Lights” in the 2024–25 cycle, highlighting its centuries-old rituals such as lighting diyas, community worship, exchanging gifts and sweets, and celebrations symbolising the triumph of light and virtue. UNESCO’s approval affirms Diwali as a “living tradition” that has evolved yet remained deeply rooted across regions, communities and generations.
The recognition also underscores Diwali’s transnational reach, celebrated by diasporic communities from Southeast Asia to Europe and the US, making it one of the world’s most widespread cultural festivals.
Tourism Impact: Turning Diwali into a Global Cultural Experience
UNESCO inscription is more than symbolic—it repositions Diwali as a signature cultural-tourism asset. India can now promote Diwali with the globally resonant tag “UNESCO-recognised living heritage.”
1. New Momentum for Festival Tourism
Tourism campaigns can now curate special Diwali itineraries across major cultural centres such as Delhi, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Jaipur and Amritsar. Evidence from other UNESCO-linked festivals—like Durga Puja’s post-inscription tourism boost—suggests that foreign arrivals during the Diwali season may rise substantially.
2. Growth of Multi-City Heritage Circuits
Tour operators are likely to create linked cultural circuits that combine Diwali with other UNESCO-recognised elements such as yoga, Kumbh Mela or Garba, extending stay durations and dispersing tourism across regions.
3. Economic Ripple Effects
Local economies may benefit through higher demand for textiles, handcrafted diyas, rangoli materials, artisanal sweets and heritage-neighbourhood homestays—as long as cultural authenticity is maintained and artisans remain central beneficiaries.
However, UNESCO’s own guidance warns of risks: over-commercialisation, overcrowding, pollution and ritual dilution—issues Indian authorities must anticipate as visitor numbers rise, particularly in already congested heritage cities.
What Other Indian Traditions Are on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List?
With Diwali’s addition, 16 Indian elements now feature on UNESCO’s Representative List. These spans:
· Festivals & Rituals: Ramlila, Ramman, Navroz, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba
· Performing Arts & Oral Traditions: Kutiyattam, Kalbelia dance, Chhau, Vedic chanting, Mudiyettu, Sankirtana, Buddhist chanting
· Spiritual & Knowledge Systems: Yoga
· Traditional Craft: The brass and copper utensil-making craft of Punjab’s Thatheras
This portfolio reflects India’s extraordinary range—from Himalayan chanting to coastal ritual theatre, from mass pilgrimages to classical dance traditions.
A Heritage Honour with Strategic Implications
Diwali’s entry into UNESCO’s intangible heritage register elevates India’s cultural diplomacy while opening new avenues for tourism-led economic growth. The challenge ahead lies in balancing celebration with conservation—ensuring that as visitors flock to witness Diwali’s radiance, the festival’s community roots and symbolic depth remain intact. If managed well, this recognition can strengthen both India’s cultural identity and its global cultural footprint for decades to come.
(With agency inputs)
