The iconic Red Fort in Delhi will remain closed to tourists from December 5 to December 14, 2025, as India prepares to host one of UNESCO’s most significant global cultural events — the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
Scheduled from December 8 to 13, the high-profile meeting will bring together global delegates, culture experts, policymakers, and representatives from dozens of countries to discuss, evaluate and safeguard living cultural traditions from around the world. In preparation for the event, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has ordered a complete public closure of the Red Fort complex for security, logistics, and venue setup.
The monument is expected to reopen to the public from December 15, 2025, once the event concludes and the venue is cleared.
Significance of the UNESCO Session:
The annual ICH Committee meeting is one of the world’s most important platforms for cultural preservation. It reviews nominations for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists — which include performing arts, rituals, festive events, craftsmanship traditions, and knowledge practices that communities recognize as part of their cultural identity.
During the 2025 session, over 60+ nominations from countries across the globe will be evaluated. India’s hosting of the event underscores the nation’s intent to strengthen its role in global cultural diplomacy and highlight its own rich living traditions on an international stage.
As the Red Fort transforms into a global cultural hub for a week, the event is expected to bring worldwide attention to India’s commitment to heritage preservation, cultural diversity, and international collaboration.