Diwali gets UNESCO heritage status

India Dec 14, 2025

Diwali just made it to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list for 2025!
This global nod celebrates the festival's vibrant traditions and its role in bringing communities together.
Bangladesh's Tangail saree weaving also got a shoutout this year.

Why it matters

UNESCO's recognition could put Diwali on more travel wishlists, helping local artisans and boosting cultural exchanges.
With Diwali now joining Yoga and Durga Puja, India has 16 traditions on the list—showcasing how rich and diverse its heritage really is.
It's also a win for India's push to share its culture with the world.