India is set to host the 20th session of the Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8th to 13th December 2025 at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. This global cultural event will gather representatives from across the world to discuss nominations for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, marking a significant milestone in India’s cultural diplomacy.
This year, India has nominated Diwali, the widely celebrated festival of lights, for inclusion in UNESCO’s list. This highlights the cultural, spiritual, and social importance of Diwali.
Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to the traditions, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as integral to their cultural identity. Unlike monuments or artifacts, ICH includes practices such as:
UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage aims to ensure these cultural elements are preserved, respected, and handed down to future generations.
Hosting the 20th session underscores India’s increasing prominence in global cultural forums. The venue, Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds symbolic value by merging India’s tangible and intangible heritage narratives. This six-day international gathering will focus on:
India’s hosting of this session continues its active engagement with UNESCO, promoting culture as a vehicle for international cooperation and sustainable development.
Diwali, celebrated by millions across India and globally, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It fosters community bonding across religions, regions, and languages, promoting values such as:
The nomination has been reviewed by independent evaluation bodies, and its final inclusion will be debated during this session, with the government expressing strong confidence in a favorable outcome.
India has been actively involved in UNESCO’s cultural heritage initiatives. Several Indian cultural elements have already been recognized under the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including:
These inclusions help preserve traditions and enhance global awareness about India’s diverse cultural landscape.
Hosting the session and nominating Diwali has profound implications for India:
This event reaffirms India’s position as a custodian of civilizational knowledge and a promoter of global cultural harmony.
Q1. What is the main purpose of the UNESCO ICH session in India?
Answer: The session aims to discuss and review nominations for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, highlighting cultural practices from around the world.
Q2. Why is Diwali significant for India's cultural heritage?
Answer: Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and promotes values like unity and compassion, making it an important cultural and social event in India.
Q3. How does India benefit from hosting the ICH session?
Answer: Hosting the session enhances India's cultural diplomacy, boosts tourism, and strengthens its role in preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage.
Q4. What are some other Indian traditions recognized by UNESCO?
Answer: Other recognized traditions include Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Ramlila, Chhau Dance, and Nowruz as part of multinational nominations.
Q5. What does Intangible Cultural Heritage encompass?
Answer: ICH includes oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, festivals, and the traditional knowledge systems of communities recognized as part of their cultural identity.
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