Kozhikode and Gwalior Join UNESCO Creative Cities Network

In a recent announcement, UNESCO welcomed 55 new cities into its Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which focuses on promoting creativity as a strategic factor in urban development. Notably, two Indian cities, Kozhikode and Gwalior, made their mark by joining this esteemed network.

Kozhikode: The City of Literature

Historical Milestone:
Kozhikode, situated in Kerala, stands out as the first Indian city to be designated as the ‘City of Literature’ by UNESCO, marking a historic achievement.

Cultural Hub for Literature:

The city has a longstanding tradition of hosting literary events, including the Kerala Literature Festival, one of the largest literary gatherings in Asia, which showcases Kozhikode as a vital center for intellectual exchange and literary discussions.

Library Abundance:

Kozhikode’s literary commitment is evident through its 500-plus libraries, highlighting its dedication to knowledge dissemination and fostering a culture of reading.

Home to Literary Luminaries:

The city is also a nurturing ground for renowned writers like S. K. Pottekkatt, Thikkodiyan, and P. Valsala Sanjayan, along with a vibrant community of poets, scholars, and publishers contributing to the richness of Malayalam literature and culture.

Gwalior: The City of Music

Honoring Musical Heritage:

Gwalior, located in Madhya Pradesh, has earned the distinction of being designated as the ‘City of Music’ by UNESCO, following in the footsteps of Varanasi, which received this recognition in 2015.

Birthplace of Tansen:

Gwalior is widely recognized as the birthplace of Tansen, one of India’s greatest musicians and composers, who was among the ‘Navratnas’ (nine jewels) in the court of Emperor Akbar, contributing significantly to Indian classical music.

Gwalior Gharana:

The city is the cradle of the Gwalior Gharana, the oldest and most influential school of Hindustani classical music, shaping the musical heritage of the region.

Celebrating Music:

Gwalior hosts the annual Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, one of India’s largest music festivals, attracting music enthusiasts and artists from across the country and abroad, underscoring the city’s deep-rooted musical traditions.

Find More National News Here

Piyush Shukla

Recent Posts

RBI, Maldives Monetary Authority Pact to Enhance Trade with Local Currencies

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have signed a…

7 mins ago

IPL 2025 Auction: Rishabh Pant Becomes Most Expensive Buy

The stage is set for the IPL 2025 season, with the mega auction becoming a…

13 mins ago

Which Indian State is Known as the Valley of Rice?

India has many different crops grown in its states, each with its own specialty. Among…

18 mins ago

PM Modi Graces Odisha Parba 2024 in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Odisha Parba 2024 celebrations held at the Jawaharlal…

21 mins ago

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: List Of All 72 Players Sold

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction will bring a fresh wave of…

34 mins ago

116th Episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’: Inspiring Stories of Youth, Culture, and Environmental Conservation

This comprehensive speech from Mann Ki Baat touches upon various inspiring themes, initiatives, and the…

46 mins ago