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Delhi’s iconic Red Fort and government buildings will dazzle with diyas and lights on December 10. Is this Diwali celebration more than just festivities? Discover how UNESCO recognition could make it a historic global moment.
Delhi to witness grand Diwali-like spectacle on December 10
New Delhi: Delhi is gearing up for a grand Diwali-like celebration on December 10, as iconic monuments and government buildings across the city are set to be illuminated with diyas, decorative lights, and rangolis.
The Ministry of Culture has coordinated with the Delhi government to organize the festivities, turning the historic heart of the city into a vibrant showcase of India’s cultural heritage.
The main event will be held at the Red Fort, while the Chandni Chowk area will be adorned with colorful rangolis and festive lighting. In addition, fireworks are planned to mark the occasion. The Ministry has also issued a directive that all World Heritage Sites across India be specially illuminated with diyas on the same evening, highlighting the nation’s rich cultural traditions.
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This special celebration is linked to India’s proposal to have Diwali recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In March 2024, India submitted the proposal, emphasizing the festival’s cultural, social, and spiritual significance.
The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee’s annual meeting is being held at the Red Fort from December 8 to December 13, where proposals from around the world for inclusion on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list are being examined.
India’s Diwali proposal is slated for discussion on December 9 and 10, appearing at number 24 on the agenda. Officials have expressed optimism that the festival will receive approval, making the December 10 illumination a celebration of its potential global recognition.
This is the first time India is hosting a session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, which meets once every two years. The session’s inauguration was attended by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Khalid Al-Enani, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and India’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Vishal V Sharma.
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The meeting will review nominations from member nations, assess existing cultural elements, and examine proposals for safeguarding traditions worldwide.
India has already proposed Chhath Puja for consideration in the next cycle. So far, UNESCO has recognised 15 Indian traditions as intangible cultural heritage across five categories.
In its proposal, India highlighted Diwali as one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world, marked by cleaning and decorating homes, offices, markets, and streets, as well as families traveling long distances to reunite. The festival brings together communities across generations, showcasing India’s rich social and cultural fabric.
If approved, the Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and other landmarks will shine with thousands of diyas on December 10, marking a historic moment in Diwali’s journey to global recognition.
