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.
