India's festival of lights, Diwali, was on Wednesday announced as an addition to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, sparking celebrations.

The United Nations cultural agency, meeting in the Indian capital New Delhi from Tuesday to Thursday, is examining dozens of nominations from as many as 78 countries.

The new announcements will join UNESCO's list of cultural heritage, whose purpose is to "raise awareness of the diversity of these traditions" and protect them in future.

The Delhi government is organising several events, including special illumination of buildings and decoration across major roads, along with a massive lamp-lighting ceremony.

As one of Hinduism's most significant festivals, millions of Indians celebrate Diwali, also known as Deepavali, not just in India but g

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