Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, announced at the 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session at New Delhi's Red Fort from December 8-13, 2025.

When the first rays of dawn sweep across the ancient city of Ayodhya, they illuminate more than sandstone pillars and carved spires. They reveal a story that has shaped India’s cultural soul for centuries. The Ram Temple, now standing in full grandeur, is not merely an architectural marvel but the culmination of faith and resilience.

Seventy-five years after independence, a long-suppressed truth demands to be heard: India’s heart beats Hindu. Cloaked under the guise of ‘secularism’ born in political shadows, the nation’s core has been hidden from view. Now, the veil is lifting. It is time to reclaim India’s soul, the ancient, timeless spirit that has shaped its destiny and unity across millennia.

Ritual theatre, a form of performance that combines sacred rituals with dramatic expression, is typically performed in temples or community spaces and is deeply rooted in religious festivals and collective memory.

The central and state governments should seriously consider special packages of incentives and concessions ahead of festivals. India’s festivals – be it Holi, Diwali, Eid, or Christmas – are not just celebrations of joy but also powerful engines driving the country’s economic growth. These vibrant events sustain the momentum of India’s market economy, making government support for festivals essential due to their multifaceted impact.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj witnessed an unprecedented gathering of faith and spirituality. Over 66.30 crore devotees immersed themselves in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The event lasted 45 days and became a symbol of devotion and cultural heritage.