KOZHIKODE
FAST FACTS
Kozhikode, the first UNESCO City of Literature in India, is located on the Malabar coast of
Kerala, India. Kozhikode is a city vibrant in its literary wealth, gaining the esteemed UNESCO
tag on October 31, 2023, thus becoming India's first UNESCO City of Literature.
This UNESCO designation recognises the city's creative potential owed to its rich literary
history, diverse linguistic traditions, thriving community of writers, poets, and scholars, and
enthusiastic public engagement. Kozhikode, with its literary roots reaching back to the 14th
century, is home to several libraries, writers, publishers, and printing presses, all intertwined with
its vibrant tourism, cuisine, and music.
Literary infrastructure
Kozhikode’s vibrant literary legacy owes to its numerous libraries. With more than 545 libraries
in the district, including 62 public libraries affiliated with the Kerala State Library Council and
269 institutional libraries in the city, literary resources are widely accessible.
The CH Mohammed Koya Library, under Calicut University is a research center specializing in
literature. The Gender Library focuses on advanced reading for women and vulnerable groups.
The Abussabah Library is renowned for its Braille section with around 150 books, primarily in
literature, for visually impaired readers.
Kozhikode is home to prominent establishments, including the KIRTADS research institute
dedicated to the upliftment of scheduled castes and tribes. The Gender Park, a government
endeavor that promotes gender equality and empowerment; and the Centre for Information &
Guidance India (CIGI), which provides crucial information, skill development training, and
guidance.
SK Pottekkatt Cultural Centre, All India Radio Kozhikode, Baburaj Memorial Music Academy,
KALA Association, Kerala Kala Kendram Institute of Visual Arts, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi
Art Gallery, Town Hall, Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery, and Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and
Crafts Village highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene, offering a variety of experiences in
diverse artistic disciplines.
Literary legacy
Kozhikode has a rich literary tradition and has produced many notable authors like Vaikom
Muhammad Basheer, SK Pottekkatt, M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Uroob, Thikkodiyan,
Sukumar Azhikode, P. Valsala and many more who have made significant contributions to
Malayalam literature. Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (1908-1994), known as the Beypore Sultan,
revolutionized Malayalam literature with his simple yet profound storytelling, earning the Padma
Shri in 1982. These writers have enriched Malayalam literature, making significant contributions
to international literature through translations and global recognition of their works.
CULTURAL EVENTS, BOOK FAIRS & LITERATURE FESTIVALS
Revathi Pattathanam is an annual scholarly gathering at Tali temple in Kozhikode, dating back to
the 14th century. The Kerala Literature Festival, one of India's greatest annual literary festivals
with a footfall of over three lakhs, takes place on the beaches of Kozhikode. Other annual literary
festivals include Basheer Fest, Vidyarambam, and Malabar Mahotsavam.
Prominent publishing firms like DC Books and Mathrubhumi organize a number of local book
fairs and festivals. The Beypore Art, Craft, Tourism, and Literature Festival is a 40-day festival
held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Kozhikode's famous writer, Vaikom Muhammed
Basheer. Kerala School Kalolsavam, hosted by Kerala government, is an annual school-level arts
competition, with Kozhikode consistently winning from 2007-2018 and again in 2023. The fairs
and festivals like The Malabar Crafts Fair, Malabar Mahotsavam, Sargalaya International Arts
and Crafts Festival (SIACF), PARAM Festival, International Film Festival and Kozhikode
Gourmets festivals showcase creative disciplines in crafts, folk art, music, dance, gastronomy
and film from all over the world.
Kozhikode's literary scene thrives, particularly in its public venues, offering citizens an open and
inclusive space for interaction and enjoyment. Major public spaces in Kozhikode include
Kozhikode Beach with Freedom Square, Manachira, S M Street, Kuttichira, Tali Temple (where
Revathi Pattathanam takes place), Sarovaram Biopark, and Lions Park.
The Anakulam Cultural Centre, under the Kozhikode Corporation, serves as a hub for cultural
and literary events in the city. It offers artist accommodations, a stage, an amphitheater, libraries,
and various services for promoting art and culture. Ansari Literary Children's Park in
Mananchira is an initiative by the corporation for differently abled children which was built in
accordance with the criteria of the United Nations Small Space Development Project.
Designated: 2023
Population: 6,009,000
Language: Malayalam
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