UNESCO Includes Diwali in its Intangible Cultural Heritage List; Delhi Government Organises Grand Celebration

Amid cultural performances and folk dances, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta extends greetings to all Indians

Delhi Government celebrates the occasion at Dilli Haat with traditional folk dances, rituals, and ceremonial lamp-lighting

New Delhi, December 2025 : To mark the inclusion of Diwali, the great festival celebrating the return of Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shri Ram to Ayodhya in UNESCO’s prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage List, the Delhi Government organised a grand ceremony today at Dilli Haat, INA. On this historic occasion, Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta lit the ceremonial lamp and performed prayers to Lord Shri Ram, extending her heartfelt greetings to the entire nation. The atmosphere of the event came alive with traditional folk dances and cultural performances.

The Chief Minister said that this global recognition for Diwali signifies that people across the world deeply value the festival’s core principles: love, harmony, hope, and noble human ideals. Such celebrations not only strengthen our cultural unity but also highlight India’s rich heritage on the world stage.

The special programme was attended by Delhi Government Cabinet Ministers Ashish Sood, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Kapil Mishra, MLA Anil Sharma, and several other dignitaries. The Chief Minister noted that representatives from 180 countries are currently in India, and UNESCO’s important meeting is underway at Delhi’s Red Fort. She added that Diwali being included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List is a matter of immense pride for 1.4 billion Indians.

The Chief Minister emphasised that this honour reflects the world’s deep admiration for Diwali’s message of love, humanity, and positive values. She said that Diwali is not merely a festival but a guiding ideal of life, leading us towards the path of righteousness, hope, and goodness.

The Chief Minister further stated that India is once again shining on the global stage through its culture and heritage. She expressed profound gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership the country’s traditions and festivals are receiving global respect and recognition. Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of “Development along with Heritage”, she said that while India is advancing rapidly on the path of progress, it continues to preserve its cultural roots with great strength. This is why yoga has received international acclaim, and now Diwali’s global recognition is a moment of immense pride for every Indian.

The Chief Minister added that the Delhi Government is celebrating this achievement with great splendour and enthusiasm. She shared that the entire city has been illuminated with rows of lamps, lighting not only the Red Fort but also numerous public spaces across Delhi transforming the capital into a glowing symbol of Diwali’s grandeur and cultural richness.