Diwali: In a landmark moment for India, Diwali—the Festival of Lights—was officially added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Wednesday. With this inscription, Diwali becomes India’s 16th entry on the prestigious global list, honoring its timeless traditions, cultural depth, and message of prosperity and harmony. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, present at the ceremony, called the recognition “a day of pride for India and a moment of gentle radiance for the entire world.”
In his address, Shekhawat said that Diwali is not merely celebrated in India—it is felt, lived, and passed down as an emotional and spiritual experience across generations. “Diwali is the unwavering assurance that light will prevail, that righteousness will triumph, that hope will be rekindled,” he said, invoking the ancient prayer: Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya (Lead us from darkness to light).
Shekhawat noted that UNESCO’s recognition honors not just a festival, but humanity’s eternal aspiration for peace, renewal, and the victory of good. He emphasized that Diwali survives through millions of hands that nurture it—the potter crafting the humble earthen lamp, artisans decorating homes, farmers bringing in the harvest, sweet makers preparing festive treats, and priests offering prayers. “These are the true custodians of our cultural flame,” he said.
He also acknowledged the global Indian diaspora, which has carried Diwali’s light to every corner of the world—from Singapore to South Africa, and from the Gulf to the Caribbean—showcasing India’s spirit of openness, warmth, and coexistence.
Calling the recognition both an honor and a responsibility, the Union Minister stressed the need to keep Diwali a living tradition. “Our children must know why we light the diya—not just how. They must understand that Diwali celebrates the ideals of Ram Rajya, of good governance, in an uncertain world.”
“Diwali teaches us that a lamp may be one, but its light belongs to all,” Shekhawat said. “Even a small flame, offered with love, can dispel the deepest darkness.” Expressing gratitude to UNESCO and the committee, he invited the world to light an extra diya this Diwali—one for gratitude, peace, shared humanity, and good governance.
He highlighted that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed leadership, culture and heritage have been given the same priority as development in India’s national agenda.
Concluding his address, Shekhawat chanted the mantra “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be healthy) and raised the slogan “Jai Raja Ramchandra Bhagwan Ki Jai.”