India, Dec. 11 -- In a landmark recognition, Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, joining the ranks of Yoga and Durga Puja. The festival is a new inscription on the list, alongside cultural symbols from many other countries, like Ghana, Georgia, Congo, Ethiopia and Egypt, among others.

India had sent the Deepavali nomination dossier to UNESCO in 2023 for the 2024-25 cycle. Apart from Deepavali in India, traditional saree weaving art of Tangail also secured a place in the list.

"New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratulations!," UNESCO said i...