By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The High Commission of India to South Africa hosted a celebration of cultural heritage on Friday at the High Commission of India, Pretoria as it was to celebrate the inscription of Deepavali into UNESCO representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, at the twentieth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural heritage.
The inscription falls under the Social Practices, rituals and festive events. Annually Deepavali is celebrated as one of the most popular festivals with an intention of highlighting the unification of communities, families across India.
The festival gives a platform for communities, elders to play a pivotal role in taking the responsibility of ensuring that the festivals over the years remain true and prominent and a central figure in hall marking cultural celebration as well as intergenerational transmission as the youth will have to take the initiative of keeping the torch of this festival alive.
Deepavali marks the 16th Indian tradition to be inscribed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, which includes the Hindu pilgrimage Kumbh Mela and Durga Puja festival which is based in Kolkata.
At the High Commission of India, an intimate celebration was held in order to highlight the beauty of the festival and its cultural relevance through performances from children and young adults alike which also signifies the exchange between the previous generation and the current generation to carry the torch and keep the spirit of the festival burning brightly. After the festivities the evening was met with guests indulging in some Indian cuisine and cultural exchange.
“On behalf of the High Commission of India I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of you at this beautiful heritage premises of the High Commission of India to celebrate the inscription of Deepavali in the UNESCO’s representative List of Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity on 10 December 2025” said the High Commissioner Shri Prabhat Kumar.
The event captured the essence of Deepavali with beautiful synchronisation of lights, dance as well as a skit performed by the children on the evening of the celebration.
“People in India and around the world are thrilled…For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilization. It is the soul of our civilization. It personifies illumination and righteousness.” the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi wrote on X.
“The addition of Deepavali to the UNESCO intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further” he added.
