LUCKNOW, Dec. 10 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday hailed the inclusion of Deepavali in Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. He emphasised the special significance of this recognition for Uttar Pradesh.

"For Uttar Pradesh, this honour is especially meaningful. Ayodhya, the sacred land of Prabhu Shri Ram, is where Deepavali was first celebrated," Adityanath wrote on X.

"The inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List is a proud recognition of a festival that celebrates light over darkness and new beginnings. This global acknowledgment reflects India's growing cultural stature under the leadership of Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi Ji," he wrote.

"May Ayodhya's eternal light continue to guide hum...