UNESCO recognizes Deepavali festivities

The High Commission of India (HCI) in Dhaka celebrated a landmark cultural accomplishment at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Center (IGCC) through a special program titled "Deepavali Goes Global", marking the inscription of Deepavali into UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, according to a press release received yesterday.

Deepavali was accorded this recognition on 10 December 2025 at the UNESCO Inter-Governmental Committee meeting, currently ongoing at the Red Fort in New Delhi from 7 to 13 December 2025. Addressing the event, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma stated that Deepavali, the festival of lights, embodies universal values-the victory of good over evil, the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and the reaffirmation of hope over despair. "These virtues and values transcend nations, cultures and faiths; they belong to humanity," Pranay Verma commented.

Underscoring the cultural interconnections between India and Bangladesh, Pranay Verma said that Deepavali is widely celebrated across Bangladesh, often alongside Kali Puja and popularly known as Shyama Puja and Deepanita Mahotsav. These shared traditions, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said, reflects the deep historical and civilizational bonds that continue to anchor the friendship between the two countries. The Indian High Commissioner stressed that UNESCO's recognition is a moment of pride not only for India but also for millions around the world who celebrate Deepavali in diverse ways. "As we welcome Deepavali's global recognition, we celebrate not only a festival-but a living heritage that promotes harmony, inclusivity, and unity," Pranay Verma remarked.

The event at IGCC included cultural performances, celebrating Deepavali as a tradition that connects people across borders. It was attended by invited guests and dignitaries including ICCR scholars, alumni of the Bangladesh Youth Delegation, members of the Indian community and cultural luminaries.