In a historic announcement on October 31, 2023, Kozhikode has been officially designated as India’s first UNESCO City of Literature. The declaration was made at the Kandamkulam Muhammad Abdu Rahiman Memorial Jubliee Hall in Tali, Kozhikode, affirming the city's rich cultural heritage in literature.

Over the next four years, Kozhikode plans to celebrate this prestigious title with a series of literary and cultural activities. Iconic locations such as Mananchira, Tali, and Kuttichira will be transformed into vibrant centers for hosting literary events.

Kozhikode Renowned for Literary Scholars

Kozhikode, renowned for literary giants such as the late S K Pottakkad and Vaikom Muhammed Basheer, was once known as the city of Zamorins. During British rule, it was also called Calicut and served as a pivotal coastal gateway for numerous foreign visitors, including Persians, Arabs, Chinese, and eventually Europeans, centuries ago.

Kozhikode have 500 Functioning Libraries 

Kozhikode, known as the cradle of the freedom movement in Kerala, has also served as a prominent hub for book festivals for many decades. The city boasts over 500 functioning libraries and has been central to the literary endeavors of the renowned Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair for several decades.

This UNESCO designation not only recognizes Kozhikode’s historical contributions to Malayalam literature but also promises to foster future growth and international collaboration in the literary field. It is expected to attract writers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts from across the globe, further enriching Kozhikode's literary landscape.