Context:
- The inaugural ceremony of a key UNESCO meeting is scheduled to be held at the Red Fort, Delhi, marking a significant moment in India’s cultural diplomacy.
- During this meeting, Diwali is set to be proposed for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List, with the main session running from December 8 to December 13.
Key Highlights:
About the UNESCO Meeting
- The meeting brings together international delegates, cultural experts, and policymakers to deliberate on issues related to cultural heritage preservation.
- Hosting the inaugural ceremony at the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolically underscores India’s civilisational legacy and cultural continuity.
Proposal for Diwali’s Inclusion
- Diwali, the festival of lights, represents values of victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
- The proposal seeks recognition of Diwali as a living cultural tradition, celebrated across regions, communities, and even national boundaries.
- Inclusion would enhance global visibility, documentation, and intergenerational transmission of the festival.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Framework
- The ICH List aims to safeguard cultural practices, rituals, expressions, and traditional knowledge recognised by communities as part of their heritage.
- Inscription encourages international cooperation, capacity-building, and cultural dialogue rather than commercialisation.
Cultural and Diplomatic Significance
- Recognition of Diwali would strengthen India’s soft power and cultural outreach.
- It reinforces India’s role as an active contributor to global cultural governance and multicultural harmony.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- UNESCO: A specialised UN agency promoting cooperation in education, science, and culture.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage: Non-material cultural expressions such as festivals, rituals, oral traditions, and performing arts.
- Issue: Global recognition and safeguarding of living cultural traditions.
- Benefits:
- International acknowledgement
- Cultural preservation and awareness
- Enhanced people-to-people ties
- Challenges:
- Risk of over-commercialisation
- Ensuring community-led preservation
- Impact: Strengthens cultural identity and global cultural pluralism.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- UNESCO ICH Convention, 2003
- Emphasis on community participation and sustainability
- Keywords: Cultural diplomacy, soft power, living heritage, global commons.
- Static Linkages:
- GS 1: Indian culture, traditions, festivals
- GS 2: International relations, multilateral institutions
- Way Forward:
- Promote inclusive narratives of Diwali reflecting regional diversity
- Ensure community ownership in preservation efforts
- Balance global recognition with cultural authenticity
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 1: Art & Culture – Indian festivals and heritage
- GS 2: International Relations – UNESCO, cultural diplomacy
- Prelims: UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Red Fort