By: Dr Avi Verma

IndoUS Tribune celebrates a moment of immense pride and global acknowledgment as India’s cultural heritage accelerates its impact on the world stage. Following widespread global observance of Hindu Heritage Month, where communities across continents embraced and honored Hindu culture, India has achieved another remarkable milestone: Diwali — the Festival of Lights — has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition is historic and symbolizes not just India’s soft cultural power but also the universal appeal of values that transcend borders — hope, renewal, and the victory of good over evil.

Diwali’s inclusion during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee held at the Red Fort in New Delhi reflects the festival’s global resonance and enduring significance. UNESCO describes the festival as a living tradition that fosters social cohesion, cultural continuity, and shared human values that bind communities worldwide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in response to the UNESCO announcement, remarked,

“Diwali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness.”
He noted that this recognition would further strengthen Diwali’s global reach and its power to bring people together across cultures and nations.

This monumental achievement is also a tribute to the tireless work of Hindu-oriented organizations around the world whose efforts have significantly uplifted Hindu spirit and helped elevate Indian mythology and scriptures on the global platform.

Global Hindu organizations leading the cultural charge

Across continents, Hindu-oriented organizations have played a critical role in promoting awareness of Hindu heritage, scriptures, and traditions — ensuring they are understood, appreciated, and honored globally:

• The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has worked extensively to promote Hindu culture, engage with educational institutions, and advocate for the inclusion of Hindu traditions in multicultural celebrations internationally.
• Sadhu Vaswani Mission and other spiritual organizations have long organized global events, discourses, and intercultural exchanges that introduce core Hindu philosophical concepts to diverse audiences.
• International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) continues to bring Bhagavad Gita teachings to millions worldwide through festivals, book distribution, and outreach programs.
• Global Hindu Heritage Foundation has been instrumental in educational initiatives, cultural exhibitions, and interfaith dialogues that present Hindu scriptures and mythology in accessible forms to global audiences.
• Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and allied institutions have organized international seminars, youth camps, and cultural showcases that celebrate Hindu traditions and shared values.

These organizations with their unwavering commitment to preserving and sharing Hindu wisdom have helped create fertile ground for recognition like UNESCO’s listing, bridging cultural understanding and showcasing Hindu thought as a vital contributor to global heritage. Their contributions have shaped narratives that present Hindu mythology and scriptures not as ancient curiosities but as living, vibrant traditions that continue to inspire and inform humanity.

A shared moment of pride and global cultural harmony

Diwali now stands united with other globally recognized traditions such as Yoga, Durga Puja, and Kumbh Mela marking India’s rich cultural tapestry on the world heritage stage. This distinction reaffirms that Indian festivals are not just regional observances but global phenomena rooted in shared human values.

For IndoUS Tribune readers, this recognition is not only a national honor but a celebration of India’s civilizational heritage and the collective efforts of diaspora communities and global Hindu organizations that have diligently nurtured awareness of Hindu culture worldwide. It underscores the power of ancient wisdom made relevant in a modern, interconnected world.

Diwali’s global ascent is more than a celebration of light; it is a testament to India’s spiritual legacy, the universal appeal of its philosophical traditions, and the deep cultural connections that bind humanity across borders.