UNESCO Heritage Conference Unfolds at Red Fort

India hosts the 20th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage at the historic Red Fort. The event features the examination of India's Deepavali festival nomination. Notable attendees include External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, UNESCO's Director-General Khaled El-Enany, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The historic Red Fort is set to host UNESCO's 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee focusing on the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. The grand opening on December 7 will feature External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as the chief guest. The event, held from December 8 to 13, is monumental as India plays host for the first time.

Significant figures such as UNESCO's Director-General Khaled El-Enany and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will attend. Among the highlights is the examination of India's Deepavali festival nomination for the 2024-25 UNESCO listing. Currently, India has 15 elements on the Representative List, including Kumbh Mela and the Durga Puja in Kolkata.

Over 1,000 delegates from 190 countries will participate in this vibrant celebration. India's rich cultural heritage will be showcased through various art forms and galleries, potentially remaining open to the public after the session ends. The Red Fort's closure from December 5 to 14 underscores the scale of the event.