Kozhikode: India's First UNESCO City of Literature

Kozhikode, situated along the Malabar Coast in Kerala, has achieved the prestigious recognition of being India's first UNESCO City of Literature. Historically known as Calicut, Kozhikode has long been a beacon of cultural and literary excellence in India. The city has nurtured numerous literary giants, such as S. K. Pottekkatt and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, whose works have profoundly impacted Malayalam literature. The city's literary culture is deeply embedded in the daily lives of its inhabitants, supported by a network of over 545 libraries, including 62 public libraries within the city’s corporation boundary. Remarkably, most of these libraries are situated within a 1.2 km radius, ensuring that almost everyone has access to a library within a 1.8 km radius.
In addition to its extensive library system, Kozhikode is home to more than 70 publishing houses that produce 400 to 500 books annually. These institutions, alongside the city’s thriving literary community, serve as the foundation for Kozhikode's reputation as a center of literary excellence, not just in India but on a global scale. The city’s commitment to promoting its writers is evident through various literary awards such as the P.A. Lalitha Award, the S.K. Pottekkatt Literature Award, and the Mathrubhumi Literary Award. These ceremonies highlight local talent and encourage creative innovation, further solidifying Kozhikode’s status as a literary hub.
Among the many festivals organized in Kozhikode, the 40-day Beypore Art, Craft, Tourism, and Literature Festival stands out as a significant event. This festival commemorates the birth of the famous local author Vaikom Muhammad Basheer and shines a spotlight on artists and literary professionals, promoting the dissemination of literary works. Additionally, the Kerala Literature Festival, one of the largest literary festivals in the country, attracts a global audience and provides a platform for dialogue and exchange among literary figures.
Kozhikode is also undertaking several initiatives to extend the role of literature in urban development and to strengthen citizen involvement. Programs such as SecondPen, which offers medical professionals the opportunity to develop their writing skills, and the PuKaSa association’s literary events, including exhibitions, public readings, and poetry recitals, encourage widespread participation in the city’s literary life. These initiatives ensure that literature remains an accessible and integral part of the community.
The city is particularly committed to promoting the inclusion of vulnerable groups through literature. Institutions such as the Gender Museum and the Gender Library offer literary workshops to raise awareness of gender equality issues. The Abussabah Library, with its extensive collection of books in Braille, ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can benefit from reading and literature. These efforts reflect Kozhikode’s dedication to making literature accessible to all, fostering a more inclusive and enlightened community.
Kozhikode is not only a literary hub but also a city of great historical significance. As the place where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498, Kozhikode has a rich history of cultural exchange. The city was a major trading hub for centuries, attracting merchants from Persia, Arabia, China, and Europe. This history of cultural interaction has deeply influenced Kozhikode’s literary and cultural traditions, making it a melting pot of ideas and creativity.
Kozhikode’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is expected to boost cultural tourism in the city. Visitors will be drawn to its captivating mix of coastal charm, literary heritage, and cultural vibrancy. Renowned for its Malabar cuisine, picturesque beaches, and wooden boat craftsmanship, Kozhikode will now also be recognized for its literary contributions. This recognition is likely to attract tourists and scholars alike, contributing to the city’s cultural and economic growth. Kozhikode’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature is not just a recognition of its past achievements but a promise of its future potential in the world of literature.