Kozhikode named India’s First UNESCO City of Literature
Kozhikode, Kerala, is basking in celebration today as it marks a historic milestone by becoming India’s first city to be designated as a UNESCO City of Literature. This significant recognition, officially announced at 5:30 PM at the Kandamkulam Muhammad Abdu Rahiman Memorial Jubilee Hall in Tali, Kozhikode, on October 31, 2023, highlights the city’s rich literary heritage and cultural significance.
In the next four years, Kozhikode will host an array of literary and cultural activities to honor its new status. Iconic locations like Mananchira, Tali, and Kuttichira are set to become vibrant hubs for literary events, promoting a dynamic atmosphere of literary exchange and creativity.
Even prior to receiving UNESCO recognition, Kozhikode celebrated its literary legacy with sculptures commemorating renowned literary figures. At Mananchira’s Ansari Park, sculptures honor dramatist KT Muhammad and the beloved goat from Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s famous story “Pathummayude Aadu,” underscoring the city’s deep-rooted connection to literature.
Looking forward, Kozhikode plans to leverage its UNESCO status to gain global recognition and promote cultural tourism. There are plans to expand the literary circuit, connecting significant literary landmarks from Thunjath Ezhuthachan’s Tirur to Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s Beypore.
The UNESCO City of Literature designation not only honors Kozhikode’s historical contributions to Malayalam literature but also paves the way for future growth and international collaboration in the literary arts. This recognition is expected to attract writers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts worldwide, fostering cultural exchange and enriching the city’s cultural tapestry.
About Kozhikode -City of Literature
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a vibrant city in Kerala with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Known for its role as an ancient trading hub and the landing place of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498, Kozhikode blends its illustrious past with modern developments, offering visitors a unique experience of Kerala’s coastal charm and cultural diversity.
The city is famous for its pristine beaches like Kozhikode Beach and Beypore Beach, where visitors can enjoy picturesque sunsets and traditional wooden boat craftsmanship. Kozhikode is also celebrated for its culinary delights, particularly its Malabar cuisine renowned for aromatic spices and seafood delicacies.
Today, Kozhikode continues to attract tourists and scholars alike, making it a fascinating destination in Kerala.
