In the Mughal court of Akbar, the night sky once shimmered with bursts of fire. Rockets streaked upward, sparklers hissed, and courtiers gasped as the emperor commissioned displays that turned celebration into spectacle. Miniature paintings from the era capture those moments: lamps glowing in courtyards, fireworks exploding above marble palaces, a festival of light elevated into imperial grandeur. Centuries later, that same festival — Deepavali, or Diwali — has been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs called it a joyous moment for India, noting that the festival, celebrated across the world, … Continue reading Festival of Lights Recognized: UNESCO Adds Deepavali to World Heritage of Living Traditions