Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Source: News on Air

Context:

Deepavali, India’s festival of lights, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee held in New Delhi. The recognition highlights the festival’s cultural significance, social practices, and global reach.

About Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

Living traditions, expressions, rituals, performing arts, craftsmanship, and knowledge systems recognised by communities as part of their cultural identity.

Background:

• UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003); enforced in 2006.
• India ratified the convention in 2005.

Objectives:

• Safeguard living heritage and support practitioners.
• Promote cultural diversity, intergenerational transmission, community participation, and intercultural dialogue.

Features of the ICH Framework:

• Community-Based: Practices recognised by the communities who sustain them.
• Dynamic & Living: Includes both traditional and contemporary adaptations.
• Five Domains:
  1. Oral traditions and expressions
  2. Performing arts
  3. Social practices, rituals, and festive events
  4. Knowledge concerning nature and the universe
  5. Traditional craftsmanship
• Representative List: Highlights practices contributing to humanity’s cultural diversity.
• Safeguarding Measures: States must inventory, conserve, support practitioners, and report periodically.