Deepavali added in UNESCO’s Representative list

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Why in News?

India's Deepavali inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recently.

• Deepavali is added to the UNESCO's Representative List under the social practices’ domain of Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Deepavali or Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival, also known an Indian festival of lights.
• Meaning – ‘Deepa’ means lamp or light and ‘Vali’ means string or row, and Deepavali means rows of lights.
• Central theme – Triumph of good over evil.
• In North India – It celebrates the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon Ravana.
• In South India – It marks the day Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama defeated the demon Narakasura.
• Timing – It falls on Amavasya (new moon day) in October/November, based on lunar cycles.
• For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes.
• Day 1 (Dhanteras) – People buy jewelry or utensils and worship is offered to God for prosperity.
• Day 2 (Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)) – It marks the death of demon king Narakasura.
• Homes are decorated with flowers and mango leaves and firecrackers are burst to drive away evil spirits.
• Day 3 – Diwali (Main Day) – Families worship Lord Ganesha (good luck) and Goddess Lakshmi (wealth), diyas (lamps) are lit, sweets are shared, and prayers are offered.
• Day 4 – Govardhan Puja – Commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan mountain to protect villagers from heavy rains and worship of Govardhan Parvat continues as tradition.
• Day 5 – Bhai Dooj – On this day, sisters pray for their brothers’ long lives and brothers give gifts in return.
• Other Communities that Celebrate Diwali – It was originally a Hindu festival but is now celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists.
• Each community connects it to different stories, yet the festival always symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
• Global Reach – Official holiday not only in India but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.

Quick Fact

References

1. Hindustan Times | Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage list
2. Utsav.gov.in | Deepavali
3. National Geographic | Deepavali