India Hosts 20th UNESCO ICH Session at Red Fort: Diwali Nominated for Intangible Cultural Heritage List

India is hosting the 20th session of the Inter-governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from December 8 to 13, 2025. This major global cultural event is being held at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

The session will bring together representatives from around the world to discuss nominations for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.

India Hosts 20th UNESCO ICH Session at Red Fort: Diwali Nominated for Intangible Cultural Heritage List

What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?

ICH refers to the living expressions, traditions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural identity.

• Examples: Performing arts, oral traditions, rituals, festivals, and traditional crafts.
• Purpose: The UNESCO 2003 Convention aims to ensure that these cultural elements are preserved and passed on to future generations.

India’s Highlight: Diwali Nomination

India has nominated Diwali, the widely celebrated festival of lights, for inscription on the UNESCO ICH list this year.

• Significance: Diwali, celebrated globally by millions, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It promotes values of brotherhood, unity, and community participation.
• Process: The nomination has been reviewed by independent evaluation bodies, and its final inclusion will be debated during this session.

India’s Role and Existing Recognitions

Hosting the session at the Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) strengthens India’s role in global cultural forums. India already has several elements recognized on the UNESCO ICH list, including:

• Yoga (2016)
• Kumbh Mela (2017)
• Ramlila (2008)
• Chhau Dance (2010)

The event is a significant marker for India’s cultural diplomacy and its commitment to safeguarding civilizational knowledge.

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Question & Answer

Q1. The 20th session of the UNESCO ICH Committee is being hosted by India at which historic location?
A) India Gate, New Delhi
B) Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
C) Red Fort, New Delhi
D) Gateway of India, Mumbai
Answer: C) Red Fort, New Delhi

Q2. India has nominated which major festival for inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list at this session?
A) Holi
B) Eid-ul-Fitr
C) Diwali
D) Christmas
Answer: C) Diwali

Q3. Which specific UNESCO Convention aims to safeguard traditions, knowledge, and skills recognized as cultural heritage?
A) 1972 World Heritage Convention
B) 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
C) 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
D) 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Answer: B) 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Q4. Which of the following Indian cultural elements was inscribed on the UNESCO ICH list in 2017?
A) Ramlila
B) Chhau Dance
C) Yoga
D) Kumbh Mela
Answer: D) Kumbh Mela

Q5. The six-day international gathering will focus primarily on examining new nominations and reviewing the status of elements already on the ICH list for which organization?
A) World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
B) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
C) United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
D) UNESCO
Answer: D) UNESCO

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