Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list
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Asked by UPSCPrelims 2026, 20244 PYQs
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- Prelims 2024Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO ?Solve with answer →
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What happened
- Deepavali was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 10 December 2025, at the 20th committee session at the Red Fort [PIB].
Background
- Fifteen Indian elements were on the list before this session, including Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja in Kolkata and Garba [PIB 7 Dec, and UNESCO list].
Why it matters
- The nomination stressed the people who keep the festival going: potters, artisans, sweet makers. That is how ICH listings are judged.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-12-10): deepavali was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 10 December 2025, at the 20th committee session at the Red Fort.
- The nomination stressed the people who keep the festival going: potters, artisans, sweet makers. That is how ICH listings are judged.
Quotable data pointDeepavali was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 10 December 2025, at the 20th committee session at the Red Fort.
PIB: Culture: Deepavali on UNESCO ICH list, 10 Dec 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: India's ICH elements.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
Deepavali was inscribed at the session held in
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
UNESCO list on which Deepavali appears
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Which is also on India's ICH list?
Answer (a) & explanation
Kumbh Mela, 2017.
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: Culture: Deepavali on UNESCO ICH list, 10 Dec 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending