Context:
India’s festival of lights – Deepavali (Diwali) has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recognition was announced during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee, acknowledging Deepavali as a living cultural tradition with global significance.
Key Highlights:
UNESCO Recognition
- Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List
- Recognised as a living heritage that:
- Strengthens social bonds
- Encourages community participation
- Contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Government Response
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
- Highlighted Deepavali’s deep connection with India’s culture, values, and ethos
- Union Minister of Culture – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat:
- Emphasised the people-centric nature of the festival
- Underlined its role in sustaining community traditions
Cultural and Social Dimensions
- Celebrated across India and the global Indian diaspora
- Involves contributions from:
- Artisans (lamps, decorations)
- Farmers (agricultural cycles)
- Households and communities preserving age-old rituals
- Reinforces values of:
- Generosity
- Well-being
- Social harmony
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Global recognition of India’s intangible cultural traditions
- Causes: Living traditions with intergenerational transmission and community ownership
- Government Initiatives:
- Cultural diplomacy
- Heritage promotion through UNESCO
- Benefits:
- Global visibility to Indian culture
- Protection and safeguarding of traditions
- Boost to cultural tourism and creative economy
- Challenges:
- Risk of over-commercialisation
- Need for sustainable celebration practices
- Impact:
- Strengthens India’s soft power
- Promotes cultural pluralism and inclusivity
Relevant Mains Points:
- Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH):
- Includes practices, rituals, festivals, knowledge systems
- Community-driven and continuously evolving
- UNESCO’s Role:
- Safeguards cultural diversity
- Promotes international cultural cooperation
- Deepavali & SDGs:
- Supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities)
- Encourages inclusive cultural participation
- Keywords & Concepts:
- Living heritage
- Cultural sustainability
- Soft power diplomacy
- Way Forward:
- Promote eco-friendly and inclusive celebrations
- Support traditional artisans and local economies
- Integrate heritage education in schools
- Balance global recognition with cultural authenticity
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 1: Art & Culture, Indian heritage, festivals
- GS 2: International Relations, cultural diplomacy, UNESCO
- Prelims: UNESCO lists, definitions, cultural institutions