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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Entertainment News India Times (December 13, 2025 - December 19, 2025) December 19, 2025 18 Community Diwali Is Added To UNESCO’s World Heritage List T he United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organiza- tion (UNESCO) added Deepavali, or Diwali as it is popularly known, to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, on December 10, 2025. UNESCO’s inscription of Diwali was ad- opted at the Red Fort in New Delhi, during UNESCO’s 20th session of the Intergov- ernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Chaired by Vishal V. Sharma, Ambas- sador and Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO, the session was attended by India’s Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and senior government officials, delegates from 195 member states, international experts and represen- tatives from UNESCO’s global network. The addition of Diwali brings the total to 16 of India’s festivals and traditions on theWorld Heritage List. The List includes, besides Diwali, Garba of Gujarat, Durga Puja in Kolkata, Kumbh Mela, Nowruz (Navroz), Ramman, Yoga, Sankirtana, Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh, Chhau Dance, Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances, Mudiyettu, Kutiyattam, Ramlila and Vedic Chaning. Diwali was selected out of 67 nomina- tions for 2025. UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity includes over 780 living heri- tage practices from over 150 countries. “New inscription on the #Intangible Heri- tage List: Deepavali, #India. Congratula- tions!,” UNESCO said on X. Heritage, for UNESCO, is not lim- ited to monuments and landscapes, but also encompasses the practices, narratives and skills that shape and give meaning to everyday life. Diwali’s inclusion highlights its cultural importance as a festival of lights, renewal, peace, and the triumph of good, bringing global attention to its living traditions. UNESCO describes Deepavali as a light festival celebrated annually by diverse in- dividuals and communities across India, marking the last harvest of the year and the start of a new year and new season. It also marks the victory of good over evil. The practice involves people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, the website says. “Temples, schools, cultural organiza- tions and digital platforms also play a role in transmitting and safeguarding the practice. A vibrant expression of shared heritage and identity, Deepavali strengthens social bonds, promotes inclusivity, and encourages values such as kindness, gratitude and hope. It also supports local economies and creative expres- sion,” the site reads. In a message on X, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “People in India and around the world are thrilled. For us, Deepavali is very closely linked to our culture and ethos. It is the soul of our civilization. It personifies illumination and righteousness. The addition of Deep- avali to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List will contribute to the festival’s global popularity even further. May the ideals of Prabhu Shri Ram keep guiding us for eternity.” UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage identifies traditions, skills, and cultural expressions at risk of disappearing, and makes a global call to preserve them. Ele- ments inscribed on this List benefit from technical assistance and emergency fund- ing, bringing international visibility. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located. Last year, in July convention, 24 new sites (19 cultural, 4 natural and 1 mixed) were added to the UNESCOWorld Heri- tage List, thus bringing the total to 1,223 inscribed properties, 952 cultural, 231 natural and 40 mixed. UNESCO encourages the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world through the international treaty called “Convention concerning the Protection of theWorld Cultural and Natural Heritage,” which it adopted in 1972. One of the Convenion’s two governing bodies is theWorld Heritage Committee which is composed of the representatives of 21 States elected from the 195 States parties to the Convention. The Committee is responsible for implementing the Convention and for examining new proposals for inscription on theWorld Heritage List. The Criteria for Selection for theWorld Heritage List requires sites to be of out- standing universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria. The crite- ria are regularly revised by the Committee. Diwali meets the criteria “to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared.” By Archana Adalja “A Brilliantly Made Film”: Allu Arjun Lauds Dhurandhar, Praises “Spectacular Filmmaker” Aditya Dhar S uperstar Allu Arjun praised Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Dhurandhar’, calling it a “brilliantly made film” for the audience. On his X handle, Allu Arjun praised Ranveer Singh and the cast of Dhurandhar after watching the film. “Just watched Dhurandhar. A brilliantly made film filled with fine performances, the finest technical aspects, and amazing soundtracks. Magnetic presence by my brother Ranveer, he rocked the show with his versatility,” wrote Allu Arjun. He also appreciated the perfor- mances of Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan and Arjun Ram- pal in the movie. “Charismatic aura by Akshaye Khanna ji, and the rock-solid pres- ence of Sanjay Dutt ji, R Madhavan garu, Arjun Rampal garu, and all the other artists. Sweet presence by Sara Arjun as well. Congratulations to the en- tire team – all the technicians, cast, crew, Jyoti Deshpande ji, and Jiostudios,” added Allu Arjun. The actor concluded his congratulatory note by praising Aditya Dhar’s filmmaking in Dhurandhar. He continued, “Anddddd… of course, the captain of the ship, the brilliant and spectacular filmmaker Aditya Dhar garu. You nailed it as an ace filmmaker with full swag. I loved it! Just watch it and enjoy the show, guysss…” Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ follows the story of an Indian spy named Hamza who deeply infiltrates Pakistan to join Rehman Dakait’s gang. The film is inspired by real-life events, ranging from the 2001 Parlia- ment attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, offering audiences an insight into the India-Pakistan conflict. Besides Ranveer Singh, the film also features Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun in key roles. According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, ‘Dhurandhar’ has already delivered major box office triumphs. -ANI PHOTO:ANI PHOTO:COURTSEY UNESCOWEBSITE Movie poster, left, and Indian film director, screenwriter, lyricist, and producer Aditya Dhar, right. UNESCO’s World Heritage Logo.