Deepavali enters intangible heritage list, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• Deepavali, India's festival of lights, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Wednesday.
• The announcement was made during the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee.
• UNESCO recognizes Deepavali as a living heritage that strengthens social bonds and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated Deepavali is closely linked to Indian culture and ethos.
• Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the people-centric nature of the festival.

Detailed Insights:

• The inscription acknowledges Deepavali's role in supporting traditional craftsmanship and reinforcing values of generosity and well-being.
• Deepavali's inclusion on the list is expected to further enhance the festival's global popularity and recognition.
• The festival thrives through the contributions of various communities, including artisans, farmers, and households maintaining age-old customs.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage status helps ensure the safeguarding and promotion of cultural practices for future generations.
• India now has several cultural traditions recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, showcasing its rich cultural diversity.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Intangible Cultural Heritage: Cultural practices, traditions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
• UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which aims to promote international collaboration through education, science, and culture.
• Sustainable Development Goals: A collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all".