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Delhi will shine again on December 10 if Diwali gets the status of intangible heritage in UNESCO; There will be special decorations from Red Fort to government buildings
New Delhi. Diwali has been celebrated in the country on 21st October, but on 10th December, Delhi is once again going to be bathed in the lights of Diwali. The reason is the possibility of Diwali being recognized in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. If this recognition is granted, the capital will be completely immersed in lights and celebrations on December 10. The Central and Delhi governments have started preparations for this historic occasion. The Culture Ministry has given instructions for special lighting and decoration of all major government buildings including the Red Fort.
Delhi Culture Minister Kapil Mishra said, “On December 10, the Delhi government will celebrate Diwali at Dilli Haat with the entire cabinet. All government buildings will be decorated, Diwali lamps will be lit at the Red Fort and Diwali markets will be organized at all the intersections of the city. All this will happen when UNESCO will recognize Diwali as an intangible cultural heritage. And as soon as the recognition is received, Delhi will sparkle, there will be fairs, fireworks and the Red Fort will be lit up.” Will take a bath.”
Arrangements for Rangoli, Diwali fair and fireworks are also being made in Chandni Chowk and other areas around the Red Fort. UNESCO has also given instructions to specially illuminate all the world heritage sites of the country on the same evening. India had sent a proposal to include Diwali in Intangible World Heritage in March 2024. This proposal is at 24th place on the agenda of the meeting and will be considered on 9–10 December. As soon as the consent is received, the Red Fort will be bathed in the light of lamps on the evening of 10th December.
This is the first time that India is hosting a UNESCO panel meeting. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director General Khalid Al-Enani, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and India’s Permanent Representative Vishal V. Sharma were present at the inauguration ceremony. If Diwali is recognized in the World Heritage List, then this festival of lights on 10th December will be a historic moment of cultural pride and global respect.
