- PM Modi says Deepavali reflects culture, ethos and global pride
- UNESCO Intangible Heritage recognition praised by leaders
Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that people in India and around the world are thrilled after Deepavali was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He stated that humanity should always be guided by the principles of Lord Ram. His remarks came after UNESCO announced the inscription of Deepavali on its official social media handle.
PM Modi wrote on X, “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 civilization. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further.” He added, “May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity.”
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also welcomed the announcement. He posted on X, “A historic day for India. Deepavali has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the tenure of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage is receiving unprecedented global recognition and this milestone strengthens that journey.” He added that the honour reflects the universal message of the festival. “This honour celebrates the universal message of our festival of lights: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all. My gratitude to UNESCO and to every custodian of our timeless traditions. Jai Hind.”
UNESCO confirmed the development in a post that read, “BREAKING. New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!” The announcement came during the week-long session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The committee meeting began on Monday at Delhi’s Red Fort.
A total of 67 nominations from nearly 80 countries were assessed. The 20th session of the Committee is being hosted in India for the first time and will continue until December 13. India already has 15 elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including Kumbh Mela, Kolkata’s Durga Puja, Gujarat’s Garba, Yoga, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Ramman and Kutiyattam.
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