India has formally proposed the inclusion of the Diwali festival in UNESCO’s prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity, as announced by Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday.
Addressing supplementary questions in the Rajya Sabha, Shekhawat stated that the Central government had submitted the proposal in 2023, emphasizing the cultural significance and global recognition of Diwali. The proposal, currently under consideration, is expected to be examined by UNESCO later this year. If approved, it would mark a significant milestone in showcasing India’s rich cultural traditions on the global stage.
During the session, BJP member Dhairyasheel Mohan Patil inquired about the inclusion of Pandharichi Vari, Maharashtra’s annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur, in the ICH list. Shekhawat clarified that no proposal for Pandharichi Vari had been submitted to UNESCO in the prescribed format. He explained that such proposals are typically initiated by the respective state governments or the Sangeet Natak Akademi, which is the nodal agency responsible for evaluating and forwarding ICH nominations to UNESCO.
Shekhawat elaborated on the process required for inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He noted that state parties must prepare and submit a detailed nomination dossier outlining the cultural significance and relevance of the proposed element. The submitted dossier is then evaluated and examined by the UNESCO Committee before a final decision is made.
The Minister reiterated that, as of now, no formal proposal in the required format for Pandharichi Vari has been received by the Centre.
While there has been no official proposal for Pandharichi Vari, Shekhawat highlighted the government’s efforts to promote and celebrate this unique tradition. In collaboration with the Solapur district administration and the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple Trust, Pandharpur, the Ministry of Culture organized the “Kala Pravah” temple festival on June 23-24 last year.
The event, held at the Shri Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Bhavan, showcased various cultural performances rooted in the Pandharpur pilgrimage tradition. The festival featured Bharud (a traditional form of storytelling through song), Warkari Kirtan (devotional singing), Sapta Khanjiri Bhajan (a form of group singing accompanied by a percussion instrument), Dashawtar (a traditional theatrical performance), and the Warkari Dindi procession.
Diwali, celebrated with immense fervor and joy across India and among Indian communities worldwide, is a festival that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Its inclusion in UNESCO’s ICH list would further highlight the universal appeal and cultural richness of this festival, enhancing its recognition as a global symbol of Indian heritage.
India’s move to nominate Diwali for UNESCO’s ICH list reflects its commitment to preserving and promoting its diverse cultural traditions on the international stage. While efforts to include Pandharichi Vari in the list are yet to be formalized, the government continues to support initiatives that celebrate and promote India’s intangible cultural heritage.
