Source: UN News: Saturday, December 13, 2025 00:01 AM
The lights of Diwali have now become even more special for millions of people living in India and around the world. UNESCO, in a meeting held at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, has announced the inclusion of Diwali in the ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. This decision was taken during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The inclusion of Diwali in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is an important milestone for India. It is the 16th Indian element to be included in UNESCO’s list of global living traditions. “Diwali is not just a festival,” Tim Curtis, Director of the UNESCO Office in India, said in congratulating Diwali on the announcement of its inclusion in the list. “It is a living expression of the cultural soul of India. This tradition binds communities, families and people together, and all those who keep it alive are its true custodians.” © UNESCO/Paras Mendiratta He said that this festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, victory of good over evil and new beginnings. For this reason its social and cultural importance has persisted for centuries. Tweet URL
Vishal Sharma, Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO and Chairman of the Committee, said, “Diwali has been a festival of India and the Indian people for centuries. From today it is a festival of the entire humanity. Its message of truth, justice and goodwill is for every person and every society.” Along with Diwali, the Global Honor Committee has included many traditions, arts and knowledge traditions of many countries of the world in the lists of living heritages around the world. Some elements went to the “urgent conservation” list, while many others were added to the “representative list”. These include music, dance, crafts, community festivals, agricultural practices, rituals and oral traditions. Apart from stone buildings and monuments, intangible cultural heritage refers to living traditions and ways that people learn and pass on – such as customs, skills, rituals, music, crafts and social practices, which are passed down from one generation to the next. Sri Lanka: Traditional Kithul Tapping Techniques Kithul Madima or Kithul Kapima is an ancient traditional method of extracting sap from the Kithul tree in rural communities of Sri Lanka. Kithul is a tall date palm tree, which grows in forests and near houses. To extract the juice, the flower stalk is tied to a vine by climbing a ladder to the tree and the juice is collected every day by carefully cutting it with a sacred knife. This juice is filtered and boiled for a long time, which makes Kithul Trickle or Kithul Honey. It is consumed as a refreshing drink and is also used in making jaggery, vinegar and traditional drinks. © Dr Raveendra Withanachchi, 2025 Djibouti: Traditional ‘Zaffa’ Celebration Zaffa is a traditional wedding procession celebrated in Djibouti, Comoros, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Mauritania and Somalia, which marks the transition of the bride and groom from unmarried life to married life. It involves songs, music, dance and celebration of the entire community. Many symbolic rituals are performed in this procession so that the beginning of the new life is auspicious and the couple is blessed. Their form varies slightly in different countries, but the sentiment remains the same – wishing happiness, security and love for the newly married couple. © UN News/Rohit Upadhyay Pakistan: Earthen tune ‘Borindo’ Borindo instrument, played in the villages of Sindh and Thar, is a circular folk instrument made of clay. It is carved by hand, dried in the sun and decorated. This art is becoming extinct over time and very few elderly artisans now know how to make it. Its inclusion in UNESCO’s “Urgent List of Conservation” will now strengthen efforts to document, train and reach out to youth about this tradition. © UNESCO/Faraz Ahmad/Culture Department, Sindh Bangladesh: Tangail Saree Weaving The fine weave and traditional designs of Tangail sarees have been a part of Bangladesh’s identity for centuries. This tradition is followed by Basak and Jhola communities, where Hindu and Muslim artisans work together. Men design and weave on the loom, women play an important role in thread preparation and final decoration. Inclusion in the UNESCO list strengthens this art, the employment of its artisans and their international recognition. © UNESCO/Paras Mendiratta Kenya: ‘Mwazindika’ – a tune of healing and community The Mwazindika tradition of the Daida community of Kenya is a fusion of dance, music, ritual and storytelling. It is not just a celebration, but a medium of healing, spiritual balance and collective support in times of crisis. This tradition was weakening due to generational change. With its inclusion in UNESCO’s “Urgent Conservation List”, efforts for its revival and conservation will now be intensified. © UN News/Rohit Upadhyay Morocco: Kaftan craftsmanship Moroccan kaftan is a long garment decorated with intricate embroidery, beads and traditional threads. It is worn as a symbol of respect and happiness in marriages, births, festivals and community events. Artisans have been keeping it alive with their fine craftsmanship for generations. Inclusion in the UNESCO list is expected to give new impetus to young artisans, local communities and creative industries. © UN News/Rohit Upadhyay Afghanistan: Ancient miniature art Afghanistan’s Bezad style miniature art is known for its delicate depictions, deep colors and historical stories. This art connects communities with their history, literature and philosophy. Many countries and art institutions still draw inspiration from Kamal ud-Din Bezad’s style. The UNESCO recognition is a strong message of hope and protection for Afghan artists, especially in the current difficult circumstances. © UNESCO/Paras Mendiratta Through its listings, UNESCO works with governments and communities to recognize these traditions, help protect them and mobilize support, especially where these heritages are under threat for social, economic or environmental reasons.Complete information about the new list is available here.