Phnom Penh: The Embassy of India, Phnom Penh, celebrated the inscription of Deepawali in UNESCO’s Representative List with the participation of members of the Indian community and friends of India on the evening of December 10, 2025. The celebration features the lighting of lamps, diyas, candles, and sparklers, as well as showcasing the Indian culture through Indian classical Bharatnatyam dance and fusion yoga performances by the students who are learning yoga and dance at the embassy.
“Deepawali,” which symbolising the joyous homecoming of Lord Shri Ram, has been incribed in the UNESCO’s list as 16th Indian element. The other elements reflect the country’s rich and diverse living traditions—ranging from performing arts such as Ramlila, Chhau Dance, and Kalbelia to festivals and rituals such as Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, and Navruz and knowledge systems such as yoga and Vedic chanting.
At this global recognition of Deepawali, India’s PM, Mr. Narendra Modi, said that “Deepawali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilisation. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deepwali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further.”
Photo by: Supplied
