Houston, Texas, USA:  Following Diwali’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Consulate General of India in Houston, USA, hosted a colourful and meaningful celebration to commemorate the milestone.

The programme was organised jointly with BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and several Indo-American community groups based in Houston.

Addressing the gathering, India’s Consul General in Houston, D.C. Manjunath, underlined the worldwide importance of UNESCO’s recognition and described Diwali as a symbol of light, peace, unity and shared human values.

According to a post shared by the Indian Consulate in Houston on X on Friday, the event featured the lighting of traditional lamps, cultural showcases and an impressive light display. Members of the Indian diaspora and local elected representatives took part enthusiastically in the celebrations.

In a parallel tribute, the Indian Consulate General in Atlanta was beautifully lit with rows of diyas to honour Diwali’s global cultural recognition.

UNESCO reviewed a total of 67 cultural nominations submitted by close to 80 nations, including India’s Diwali, during a week-long meeting of its Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The session commenced on Monday at Delhi’s historic Red Fort.

Indian diplomatic missions across various countries also marked the occasion, celebrating UNESCO’s acknowledgement of one of India’s most significant spiritual and cultural festivals.

In Lebanon, the Indian Embassy in Beirut organised lively cultural events. India’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh, along with his spouse, lit ceremonial lamps and joined members of the community in observing the festival of lights.

Earlier, on December 11, the Indian Embassy in Chile hosted a Diwali event at the Santiago Hindu Temple. The venue was adorned with diyas, decorative lighting and devotional rituals, including prayers and worship of Hindu deities, reflecting the universal theme of light triumphing over darkness and unity over division.

Expressing gratitude, the Indian Embassy in Chile shared on X its appreciation for the Indian community and friends of India who participated in celebrating the global recognition of this treasured cultural tradition.