Tag: diwali

International

India’s Deepavali Festival Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

allycaralgoa

India’s Deepavali festival has officially been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement came on Wednesday during a key session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently held at Delhi’s Red Fort.

This year marks the first time India is hosting the committee’s annual meeting, now in its 20th edition, running from December 8 to 13. Attendees at the session celebrated the announcement with chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, highlighting the moment’s significance for the Indian delegation.

With Deepavali now recognised, India’s tally on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list rises to 15, joining other celebrated elements such as the Kumbh Mela, Kolkata’s Durga Puja, Gujarat’s Garba dance, yoga, Vedic chanting, and Ramlila, the dramatic retelling of the Ramayana.

Delhi’s Art, Culture, Language and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra called the inclusion a significant milestone for India’s cultural identity, praising the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in securing the recognition. He highlighted how UNESCO’s acknowledgment underscores the depth of India’s spiritual traditions and the enduring importance of the festival.

Understanding Intangible Cultural Heritage

According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage goes beyond monuments or artefacts and includes living traditions and expressions passed down through generations. These may encompass:

  • Oral traditions and performing arts
  • Rituals and festive practices
  • Community knowledge of nature and the universe
  • Traditional craftsmanship

UNESCO emphasizes that the value of intangible heritage lies not just in the practice itself, but in the knowledge, skills, and identity it transmits from one generation to the next. Such heritage fosters dialogue, mutual respect, and social cohesion, making it crucial in a globalized world.

Key characteristics of intangible cultural heritage include:

  • Traditional and Contemporary: Practices reflect inherited customs while adapting to modern life.
  • Inclusive: Shared across regions or cultures, passed down and contributing to community identity.
  • Representative: Defined by the communities maintaining it, not exclusivity.
  • Community-Based: Heritage exists only when recognised and upheld by the community itself.

Deepavali’s recognition by UNESCO highlights the festival’s enduring cultural, spiritual, and social significance, celebrating India’s vibrant heritage on a global platform.

Special Occasion

Diwali 2025: A Celebration of Light, Triumph, and Togetherness

Tanisha Cardozo

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, lighting up the skies, homes, and hearts with warmth and joy. The word “Deepavali” means a row of lights, and that’s exactly what this celebration brings—countless flickering diyas illuminating the darkest corners.

Rooted in mythology, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya are said to have welcomed him by lighting rows of lamps, a tradition that continues today in homes and temples across the country. For others, it marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

The festival spans five days—starting with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day carries its own customs, from purchasing gold and cleaning homes to cooking festive foods and performing sacred pujas.

Preparations for Diwali often begin weeks in advance. Markets are filled with decorative lights, earthen lamps, sweets, and gifts. Families clean and renovate their homes as a symbolic gesture of inviting prosperity. On Diwali night, homes are lit with oil lamps, candles, fairy lights, and firecrackers. Families gather for Lakshmi Puja, exchanging blessings and sweets, while the sound of celebration echoes into the night.

But Diwali is more than rituals and lights. It is a powerful metaphor for inner awakening—for clearing away negative thoughts, illuminating the mind, and rekindling hope. In a world often marked by division, Diwali reminds us of unity, kindness, and the shared light that connects us all.

As the festival evolves with time, many are now opting for eco-friendly celebrations—using biodegradable diyas, supporting local artisans, and minimizing fireworks to reduce pollution. At its heart, Diwali is about intention. Whether it’s the humble flicker of a single diya or the joy of a grand gathering, every act contributes to a collective brightness.

Diwali 2025 arrives as a moment to pause, reflect, and rejoice. It invites each of us to light not just our surroundings, but also our minds and relationships—with compassion, courage, and love.

Special Occasion

Dhanteras 2025: A Celebration of Wealth, Health, and New Beginnings

Tanisha Cardozo

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated with deep cultural significance across India. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, this auspicious day sets the tone for joy, gratitude, and prosperity. In 2025, Dhanteras will be observed on October 28.

The word Dhanteras is derived from “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” referring to the thirteenth day. As per Hindu tradition, the day commemorates the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the deity of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of amrit (elixir of immortality). This mythological origin gives Dhanteras a dual significance: it is a celebration not only of material wealth but also of health, well-being, and spiritual balance.

One of the most beloved traditions of Dhanteras is the purchase of precious items—typically gold, silver, and new utensils. It is widely believed that buying these items on this day invites prosperity and good fortune into one’s life. Homes and businesses are cleaned thoroughly and adorned with rangolis, marigold flowers, and earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and good luck.

As evening falls, families across the country perform Dhanvantari Puja or Lakshmi Puja, offering sweets, flowers, and lamps while praying for both financial prosperity and good health. In recent years, National Ayurveda Day is also celebrated on Dhanteras in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, recognizing India’s traditional medical systems and promoting holistic well-being.

In the modern era, Dhanteras has evolved beyond its traditional rituals. While many still invest in jewellery and utensils, others are choosing to invest in health insurance, digital gold, electronics, or even wellness experiences. This reflects a shift in how people perceive “wealth”—as something that encompasses financial security, physical health, and mental peace.

At its core, Dhanteras is a reminder to begin the Diwali season with gratitude, intention, and positivity. Whether it’s through lighting your first diya or reflecting quietly on your blessings, the day invites you to realign with the values of abundance—not just in possessions, but in relationships, health, and hope.

As homes across India begin to glow with lights and anticipation, Dhanteras sets the spiritual and emotional foundation for the festive days to come. It’s a celebration of what we have, what we aspire for, and the deep belief that brighter days are always ahead.