NCSM Celebrates Deepavali's UNESCO Heritage Status

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, marked the historic inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with coordinated celebrations across all its units nationwide. At the NCSM headquarters in Kolkata, the observance commenced with the ceremonial lighting of diyas by Shri A. D. Choudhury, Director General, NCSM; Shri Anurag Kumar, Deputy Director General, NCSM; Shri K. S. Murali, Director, CRTL; and Shri Rajib Nath, Director (Hqrs.), symbolically honouring the spirit of the Festival of Lights. The headquarters building was also illuminated to mark the occasion. A short video announcing the inclusion of Deepavali in the UNESCO list was displayed near the entrance for the information of employees and visitors.

Deepavali’s inclusion-announced during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee at the Red Fort, New Delhi-has been hailed as a major cultural milestone for India. In honour of this recognition, all 26 units of NCSM organised special programmes that highlighted the festival’s cultural symbolism, living traditions, and scientific aspects.

Across the country, science centres engaged visitors through a series of curated activities, including a Heritage Illumination Ceremony, Deepavali Cultural Showcase, Science of Light demonstrations, Intangible Heritage Awareness sessions, Festival of Lights exhibitions, community interaction and outreach initiatives, interactive heritage talks, public demonstrations on fire and light, a Creative Expressions Corner featuring Rangoli and Diya themes, and open house engagements highlighting Deepavali traditions.

These programmes aimed to deepen public understanding of Deepavali’s significance while celebrating its recognition as a global heritage tradition.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. A. D. Choudhury, Director General, NCSM, said: “Deepavali’s inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a proud moment for the nation. At NCSM, we are delighted to mark this historic recognition through coordinated celebrations across all our units. This acknowledgment reinforces India’s cultural richness and encourages us to continue connecting communities with science, heritage, and tradition.” He also congratulated the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for its concerted efforts in securing this recognition and added that the honour carries with it the responsibility to safeguard Deepavali as a living heritage for future generations.

Mr. Anurag Kumar, Deputy Director General, NCSM, added: “This milestone not only honours Deepavali as a festival of profound cultural significance but also highlights India’s commitment to preserving its intangible heritage. Through our nationwide observance, NCSM reaffirms its role in promoting cultural awareness and meaningful public engagement. We are grateful to the thousands of visitors who joined us in celebrating this momentous occasion at our centres.”

Deepavali is the 16th Indian cultural element to be inscribed on UNESCO’s global heritage list, joining other celebrated traditions such as Yoga and Durga Puja. The festival-widely known as the Festival of Lights-symbolises hope, knowledge, community bonding, and the triumph of light over darkness.

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list celebrates living traditions from around the world-things like performing arts, festivals, social practices, traditional knowledge, and craftsmanship. The aim is to preserve human creativity which show the richness of cultural expression beyond physical monuments. These cultural elements are added either to the Representative List of the Heritage of Humanity or to the Urgent Safeguarding List. The Intergovernmental Committee decides this, depending on whether a practice needs immediate protection or holds broad global significance.

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has marked the historic inscription of Deepavali on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with coordinated celebrations across all its units nationwide.

The announcement of Deepavali’s inclusion - made during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee at the Red Fort, New Delhi - was hailed as a major cultural milestone for India. In response, all 26 units of NCSM across the country observed the occasion by hosting a range of special programmes, highlighting the festival’s cultural symbolism and its deep-rooted significance in Indian tradition.

The observances featured a blend of cultural appreciation and public engagement, with science centres welcoming visitors to explore the heritage, values, and scientific aspects associated with the Festival of Lights. The celebrations aimed to connect communities with the spirit of Deepavali while promoting awareness of its global recognition.

Events covered Heritage Illumination Ceremony, Deepavali Cultural Showcase, Science of Light Demonstration, Intangible Heritage Awareness Session, Festival of Lights Exhibition, Community Interaction & Outreach Programme, Interactive Heritage Talk, Special Public Demonstration on Fire & Light, Creative Expressions Corner (Rangoli & Diya Themes), Open House Engagement on Deepavali Traditions etc.

“Deepavali’s inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a proud moment for the nation. At NCSM, we are delighted to mark this historic recognition through coordinated celebrations across all our units. This acknowledgment reinforces the cultural richness of India and inspires us to continue our efforts in connecting communities with science, heritage, and tradition.” said Mr. A. D. Choudhury, Director General, NCSM.

“This milestone not only honours Deepavali as a festival of deep cultural significance but also highlights India’s commitment to preserving its intangible heritage. Through our nationwide observance, NCSM reaffirms its role in promoting cultural awareness and meaningful public engagement. We are grateful to the thousands of visitors who joined us in celebrating this momentous occasion.” said Mr. Anurag Kumar, DDG, NCSM, and former Director, Science City, Kolkata.

Speaking on the nationwide observance, NCSM noted that the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to celebrating India’s cultural heritage through meaningful public outreach. The organisation emphasised that the UNESCO inscription not only honours Deepavali but also strengthens efforts to preserve and promote India’s intangible cultural traditions.