About four years ago, in 2021, Bengal's Durga Puja received the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage tag. This time, Diwali, one of India's biggest festivals, has also received that recognition. The 20th conference of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee is underway in Delhi. This conference began on December 8th and will continue until the 13th. This conference is being held to identify cultural heritage.
On Wednesday, December 10, Diwali was included in this list. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with several international representatives, were present. He said that Diwali is actually a festival of lights. This festival shows the path of light, hope and new beginnings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in an X post, "People in India and around the world are thrilled. For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness."
He also added, "The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further".
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UNESCO's announcement
UNESCO has stated that Diwali is a symbol of light, new beginnings and the victory of good forces over evil forces. People of all castes, religions and communities participate in this festival. Not only for spiritual reasons, but this festival also creates rangoli and colourful lamps, which are symbols of India's cultural heritage.
On this occasion, an early Diwali was organised in Delhi. Delhi's Red Fort was the main venue for this festival. High-ranking officials and government dignitaries attended. Cultural programs, lamp lighting and exhibitions of various festival events related to Diwali were organised here.
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To maintain the spirit of Diwali, the government had directed that all major and important buildings in the capital be kept illuminated. Besides this, the government had also directed the lighting of lamps in public places and decorating them beautifully with electric lights. It should look as if Diwali is currently being celebrated.
Delhi's Culture Minister Kapil Sharma had announced that the government is organising Diwali in Delhi. Cabinet ministers will be present. All government buildings will be illuminated. Lamps will also be lit at the Red Fort. Special markets for Diwali have been created throughout the city.
The minister had further said that the real purpose of Diwali is to dispel darkness and return to light. This philosophy also aligns with India's culture and ancient spiritual thoughts. The 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee conference has begun in India. Due to this Diwali celebration, hopes are high that it will increase the chances of being included in the World Cultural Heritage list this year.
