The government is preparing to celebrate Diwali on December 10. Learn why lamps are being lit in major buildings, including the Red Fort.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Delhi's Red Fort and other government buildings are being decorated with diyas. Preparations are underway to celebrate Diwali again at these places on December 10th. The Ministry of Culture has contacted the Delhi government in this regard. According to Delhi's Culture Minister Kapil Mishra, along with major historical monuments, Delhi government buildings will also be illuminated with diyas and other luminous objects. The main event will be held at the Red Fort. Rangoli will also be decorated in the Chandni Chowk area around the Red Fort. There will also be fireworks. The Ministry of Culture has also given instructions to specially decorate all the world heritage sites of the country with diyas that evening.

Why is the government celebrating Diwali on December 10?

India submitted a proposal to UNESCO in March 2024 to include Diwali in the World Heritage List. The annual meeting of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee is being held at the Red Fort from December 8 to 13. Diwali is likely to be granted World Heritage status at this meeting. The meeting will deliberate on proposals for 54 intangible cultural heritage sites from around the world, and selected heritage sites will be included in the World Heritage List. India has submitted a proposal only regarding Diwali. It is number 24 on the agenda and is likely to be considered on December 9-10. It is also considered certain to be approved. If this happens, the Red Fort will be illuminated with lamps on December 10.

The meeting is held once in two years

This UNESCO meeting is held every two years. The next meeting will be held in 2027. India has already submitted a proposal for the Chhath festival. Arguing for Diwali's inclusion in the World Heritage List, India has stated that it is the world's most popular festival. During this period, homes, offices, markets, and streets are thoroughly cleaned. People from faraway lands travel to their ancestral homes to celebrate Diwali, and members of all generations come together. UNESCO has so far designated 15 Indian heritage sites as World Heritage sites in five categories.

India is hosting the UNESCO panel for the first time

This is the first time India is hosting a session of the UNESCO panel. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO Vishal V. Sharma. According to UNESCO, the session will examine nominations submitted by Member States for inclusion in UNESCO's ICH lists, review the status of existing elements, and provide international support for the protection of intangible cultural heritage.