In a historic decision, the festival of Deepavali, commonly known as Diwali, has been formally added to UNESCO’s prestigious Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inscription was confirmed on December 10 by the UN agency’s Intergovernmental Committee, recognizing the global significance of the ancient “Festival of Lights.”
In an op-ed shared with media, Dr. Devyani Uttam Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Tunisia, hailed the move as a milestone that celebrates the festival’s universal message of “light prevailing over darkness” and its role as a vibrant, living tradition for millions worldwide.
A Global Recognition for a Global Festival
The UNESCO listing underscores an international commitment to safeguarding the festival’s diverse expressions, from the crafting of traditional earthen lamps (diyas) and intricate floor art (rangoli) to the intergenerational transmission of rituals and stories. It also aims to promote inclusive and sustainable ways of celebrating.
“For the vast Indian diaspora, this recognition empowers communities to sustain their cultural practices, ensuring Diwali remains dynamic and meaningful for generations to come,” Ambassador Khobragade noted.
Diwali becomes the 16th Indian element on this UNESCO list, joining other traditions like Yoga, Kumbh Mela, and Vedic chanting.
Celebration in Tunis Highlights Cultural Bonds
The diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Tunisia were recently illuminated during the ‘Days of India and Diwali’ celebration in Tunis on November 15. Organized by the Indian Embassy alongside local friendship associations, the event attracted senior Tunisian officials and over 250 guests.
The program featured classical dance, meditation, traditional Indian cuisine, and a symbolic lamp-lighting ceremony, reflecting the “deepening trust and expanding cooperation” between the two nations, the Ambassador stated.
Diaspora as Cultural Custodians
The inscription also spotlights the role of the over 22-million-strong Indian diaspora as key custodians of this heritage. Through cultural associations, festivals, and artistic practices, these global communities act as a bridge, keeping traditions alive while enriching their adopted societies.
“Their engagement ensures Indian heritage remains both resilient and relevant on the global stage,” Ambassador Khobragade wrote.
A Festival for Humanity
At its core, diplomats and cultural observers note, Diwali’s UNESCO status affirms its message as a shared human inheritance. In an era of global challenges, its symbolism of hope, unity, and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance resonates more powerfully than ever, illuminating what officials describe as the “collective moral imagination” of people across the world.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Dr. Devyani Uttam Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Tunisia)
