India is preparing for a landmark cultural moment as it hosts the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session on intangible heritage for the first time.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the inaugural ceremony on December 7 at the Red Fort, where global delegates will gather for a week-long cultural and policy dialogue.
India Welcomes UNESCO delegates
The 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage will run from December 8th-13th at the Red Fort.
Leaders including S. Jaishankar, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta will attend.
Over 1,000 delegates from 190 countries will witness India’s vibrant cultural displays, featuring galleries, artefacts, state emporia and traditional performances.
Highlights of the UNESCO ICH Session
- India’s nomination “Deepavali” will be examined on December 10 for UNESCO’s Representative List.
- India already has 15 cultural elements inscribed, including Garba, Yoga, and Durga Puja.
- The committee will evaluate new global nominations submitted by member states.It will review the conservation status of elements already on the UNESCO lists.
- International financial assistance for heritage protection will be assessed and approved.
- ASI has closed the Red Fort from December 5–14 to facilitate the mega event. Historic British-era barracks inside the fort will be repurposed to host key sessions.
- Authorities may extend public access to exhibitions and performances for one month after the event.
Hosting the UNESCO ICH session at the Red Fort, positions India at the forefront of global cultural preservation.
With Deepawali under review and the world’s heritage experts in attendance, the event reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding traditions and celebrating the richness of its intangible cultural legacy.
