The inscription of Deepavali into the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List marks one of the most defining cultural milestones of modern India. While the festival has always united millions across the world in the spirit of hope and righteousness, this global recognition makes Deepavali a symbol of world cultural significance, acknowledged by humanity.
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji expressed that Deepavali is the soul of our civilization, a reflection of India’s eternal commitment to Dharma, truth, and inner illumination. UNESCO’s honour is therefore not just an endorsement of this pious festival, it is a recognition of the philosophical and spiritual depth that India has contributed to the world for millennia. This aligns deeply with UNESCO’s role in festival conservation, heritage protection, and global preservation efforts.
A Moment of Cultural Pride
This recognition arrives at a time when India is stepping confidently into the global arena as a cultural leader. Our temples, stories, traditions, and spiritual practices are receiving renewed global interest. Deepavali’s inclusion reinforces the belief that cultural heritage protection is one of India’s greatest strengths. Its addition to the list highlights the global importance of Deepavali and the value of preserving Deepavali traditions for future generations.
Many people may ask, What is UNESCO intangible heritage? It refers to practices, knowledge, artistry, and cultural expressions that communities recognise as part of their shared identity. Deepavali’s place in global heritage is now officially affirmed, and its heritage significance globally has been etched into the world’s cultural memory.
How Deepavali Received UNESCO Recognition
Deepavali’s inscription followed a rigorous evaluation under UNESCO criteria, which examine authenticity, community participation, continuity, and cultural depth. India demonstrated Deepavali’s profound civilisational relevance, its widespread practice, and extensive heritage preservation efforts that keep the festival thriving across regions and generations.
These Deepavali heritage conservation efforts, from temple rituals to regional traditions, played a defining role in achieving this honour.
Our Mission at Ramalaya and JPSR Prabhu Shriram
At Ramalaya, and at our flagship luxury fragrance brand JPSR Prabhu Shriram, we see this milestone as deeply aligned with our mission: to present India’s sacred heritage through sensory storytelling, temple-inspired fragrances, and curated cultural experiences.
Our collections, especially the Shripad Ramayana Collection, reflect the true spirit of Deepavali. They celebrate the return of Prabhu Shri Ram, the triumph of light over darkness, and the renewal of hope. Through our work, we support heritage protection & modern celebration, ensuring that age-old traditions continue to thrive in contemporary, meaningful forms.
We are committed to taking India’s cultural luxury to the world. We do this through airports, global gifting and immersive cultural storytelling experiences rooted in ancient knowledge and modern craftsmanship.
Towards a Brighter Future
UNESCO’s recognition lays the foundation for a new global cultural narrative, placing India at the centre of heritage, spirituality, and luxury. Ramalaya will continue to contribute to this narrative by expanding experiential centres, deepening cultural partnerships, and bringing the fragrance of India’s soul to people across the world.
Deepavali is now a UNESCO-recognised Cultural Intangible Heritage, and India’s cultural journey enters a luminous new chapter. We feel privileged to contribute, in our own way, to this extraordinary phase of India’s cultural renaissance.
