Embassy of India
Bucharest
Press Release
Subject: Embassy of India Celebrates the Inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Embassy of India hosted a special and joyous celebration to mark the historic inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Tuesday, 3 December 2025. The momentous recognition reflects global appreciation for one of India’s most cherished festivals symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
The event brought together members of the Indian diaspora, friends of India, cultural partners, scholars, and well-wishers, creating a warm and festive atmosphere within the Embassy premises. The gathering reflected not only the pride of the Indian community but also the universal values embodied by Deepavali, which resonate far beyond India’s borders.
In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra highlighted that UNESCO’s recognition of Deepavali as an element of humanity’s shared cultural heritage is a profound milestone for India’s civilizational legacy. He noted that the festival serves as a timeless reminder of harmony, compassion, and collective well-being. Ambassador also acknowledged the efforts of cultural practitioners, diaspora communities, and scholars whose contributions helped bring this global recognition to fruition.
The celebration featured symbolic lighting of Diya by the participants, reflecting the essence of Deepavali. The Embassy announces that the next celebratory event will be held on 13 December, continuing the spirit of togetherness and offering another opportunity for the diaspora and friends of India to gather in honour of this historic recognition.
The Embassy expressed gratitude to all participants for making the event memorable and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting India’s rich cultural heritage in the host country.
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Bucharest
Monday, December 08, 2025
