20th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage concludes at Red Fort, New Delhi
The 20th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage concluded at the Red Fort, New Delhi, on 12 December 2025; Deepavali's inscription was a highlight of the session.
Summary
The 20th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) concluded at the Red Fort, New Delhi, on 12 December 2025, with India as host. Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal said that a highlight of the ICH session was the inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. India said it was ready to develop joint multinational nominations, and thanked UNESCO Director-General Dr Khaled El-Enany and India's Permanent Representative to UNESCO Vishal V. Sharma.
Key facts
- Concluded
- 12 December 2025
- Venue
- Red Fort, New Delhi
- Session
- 20th session, Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the ICH
- Indian highlight
- Deepavali inscribed on the Representative List
- UNESCO Director-General
- Dr Khaled El-Enany
- India's PR to UNESCO
- Vishal V. Sharma
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which Indian festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 20th session of the ICH Committee held in New Delhi?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Deepavali
PIB 2203188: one of the highlights of the session was the inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO's Representative List. Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela and Navroz were inscribed in earlier years.
Who is the Director-General of UNESCO, thanked by India at the close of the 20th ICH Committee session on 12 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Khaled El-Enany
PIB 2203188: India thanked UNESCO Director-General Dr Khaled El-Enany; Fumiko Ohinata is Secretary of the Convention.