Diwali may be included in UNESCO's heritage list, decision may be taken soon after meeting in Delhi

News Topical, Digital Desk : UNESCO has received a total of 67 applications from around the world this year for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) status. This includes a request to list Diwali, India's most celebrated festival.

A panel of experts will consider and decide on these applications during a week-long session, which began Monday at the Red Fort in Delhi and will continue until December 13.

ICH are cultural heritages that are not tangible. These heritages include traditions such as festivals, ceremonies, folk beliefs, folk practices, and stories. They are listed for preservation and promotion, and their international recognition is developed.

The decision to include it in the ICH list is made by an intergovernmental committee.

The decision to include these heritage sites in the ICH list is made by an intergovernmental committee. This is the first time that a panel of UNESCO, an organization operating under the United Nations, is holding a session in India to decide on newly declared ICHs. The session began with an address by Vishal V. Sharma, India's Ambassador to UNESCO.

Sharma presided over the inaugural session. It is reported that 67 applications were received from a total of 79 countries. Many applications were for inclusion in the list from two or more countries. For example, 39 African countries have requested inclusion of nine traditions prevalent in the region. Currently, a total of 788 traditions from 150 countries are listed on the ICH list.

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