India to Host 20th UNESCO ICH Session 2025 at Red Fort

India to Host 20th UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Session at Red Fort

India is preparing to host the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8–13 December 2025 , marking a milestone in the country’s cultural diplomacy. The six-day global meeting will take place at New Delhi’s historic Red Fort , itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolising India’s rich blend of tangible and intangible heritage.

What Intangible Cultural Heritage Represents

UNESCO defines Intangible Cultural Heritage as living traditions, skills, and practices passed across generations. These include performing arts, craftsmanship, ritual traditions, oral expressions, festive events and community-based knowledge systems. The ICH Convention of 2003 seeks to safeguard these living expressions while recognising their role in fostering identity and cultural continuity.

India’s Role and Highlights of the 2025 Session

Red Fort as a Global Cultural Venue

Hosting the 20th session reinforces India’s active leadership in global heritage discussions. Delegates from member countries will review nominations, assess safeguarding reports, and outline future strategies for preserving living traditions worldwide.

Diwali Nominated for UNESCO ICH List

The highlight of India’s participation this year is its formal nomination of Diwali , the festival of lights, for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List. Celebrated across religions and regions, Diwali promotes unity, communal harmony, generosity and shared cultural memory. The nomination has been examined by evaluation bodies, and its final approval will be decided during this session.

India’s Past Inscriptions on the ICH List

India already has several recognised cultural elements, including Yoga , Kumbh Mela , Ramlila , Chhau Dance , Durga Puja , and Nowruz (multinational nomination). Each inscription enhances efforts to preserve traditions while amplifying India’s cultural voice globally.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• India hosts the 20th UNESCO ICH Committee session from 8–13 December 2025 .

• Venue: Red Fort , New Delhi.

• India has nominated Diwali for UNESCO’s ICH Representative List.

• ICH includes traditions like performing arts, rituals, and craftsmanship.

• India already has several ICH inscriptions , including Yoga and Kumbh Mela.