In a monumental achievement for global cultural diplomacy, Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, has been officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The historic inscription received official confirmation during the 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session, held at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi on December 8-13, 2025.
By securing this honor, Deepavali becomes the 16th Indian element to join the prestigious list, globally recognized for its profound philosophical message: light overpowering darkness, wisdom triumphing over ignorance, and righteousness defeating evil. Immediately capitalizing on this international recognition, BGCE 2026 will host a landmark celebration, highlight India’s vibrant traditions and foster cross-cultural collaboration. The Bharat Global Cultural Expo (BGCE) 2026, as scheduled for 28th October to 1st November 2026 in Bengaluru, has a ground-breaking mission to host the world’s first major international celebration of Deepavali’s new UNESCO status.
Deepavali is a living tradition passed down through generations for centuries. It transcends being merely a festival of lights, but a celebration of timeless values, cultural heritage, and the triumph of wisdom, righteousness, and unity. It is also a phenomenon of perpetual social cohesion and cultural cachet. At BGCE 2026, our mandate transcends mere exhibition; we invite the global community to experience this living heritage. Visitors will be immersed in the golden glow of thousands of oil lamps, the vibrant energy of our markets, and the powerful symbolism that defines this profound festival.
While Deepavali radiates in the limelight, BGCE 2026 is committed to showcasing the entirety of India’s cultural and architectural legacy. The expo will feature state-of-the-art immersive experiences, ranging from the meditative flows of Yoga and the sacred chants of Vedic Mantras to the grandeur of Kumbh Mela and the radiant celebration of Deepavali.
The UNESCO citation explicitly lauded Deepavali’s inclusive character. It has distinguished noting its power to foster mutual respect and unity within diversity, a philosophy perfectly aligned with the BGCE mission. Rooted in renewal and abundance, BGCE 2026 welcomes the global community to experience its cultural grandeur. You may represent a foreign delegation, be a commercial entity, or be an international traveller. The Expo in Bengaluru is evenly poised to be the ultimate destination to witness India’s timeless heritage in its full, radiant glory, where India’s cultural splendor garners international appreciation in an unforgettable celebration
