Context:
During the 20th ICH Committee session held at Red Fort, New Delhi, UNESCO inscribed Deepavali on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Significance for India: Deepavali becomes India’s 16th element on UNESCO’s ICH list.
- Earlier additions: Kumbh Mela (2017), Kolkata Durga Puja (2021), Garba of Gujarat (2023).
About UNESCO
- Full Form: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
- Established: 1945
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Members: 194 member states + 12 associate members
- Mandate: Promotes international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
- India: Founding member
About Deepavali
Origins
- Approximately 2,500 years old, with roots in ancient harvest celebrations.
- Gradually assimilated into multiple religious and regional traditions across India.
Religious Significance
- Hinduism:
- Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Lakshmi’s birth, Krishna’s defeat of Narakasura, Pandavas’ return.
- Symbolises victory of light over darkness, dharma, and renewal.
- Jainism: Observed as Mahavira’s Nirvana.
- Sikhism: Celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking GurHargobind’s release from captivity.
- Buddhism (Nepal): Observed as Tihar/Newar Buddhist festival.
Cultural Practices
- Celebrated over five days: Dhanteras → Naraka Chaturdashi → Diwali → Govardhan Puja/Annakut → Bhai Dooj.
- Practices include: lighting diyas, performing pujas, decorating homes, gifting, region-specific rituals.
- Economic Impact: Drives major activity in textiles, gold, handicrafts, firecrackers, and e-commerce.
- Global Influence: Increasingly observed in several countries with official recognition.
Significance of the UNESCO Recognition
- Cultural diplomacy: Strengthens India’s soft power globally.
- Preservation: Encourages documentation, safeguarding, and intergenerational transmission of Deepavali traditions.
- Promotion of diversity: Highlights India’s pluralistic cultural heritage.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
