India’s place in the UNESCO Creative Cities List is a proud reflection of its rich cultural diversity, creative heritage and forward-looking urban vision. From Jaipur’s crafts to Hyderabad’s biryani, from Gwalior’s music to Kozhikode’s literature, each city tells a unique story.
The true success of this recognition lies not just in the title, but in how it transforms the lives of local people, the growth of creative industries and the preservation of tradition for future generations.
What is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a global initiative launched in 2004 to promote cities that place culture, creativity and design at the heart of their development.
These cities commit to sharing best practices, cooperating internationally, and using their creative and cultural heritage to drive sustainable urban growth.
Creative Cities List of UNESCO - India’s Creative Cities
ndia proudly has several cities designated by UNESCO in different “creative” categories (such as literature, music, film, gastronomy, crafts and folk arts). Here are some of the key ones
| City | Year of Designation | Creative Category |
|---|---|---|
| Jaipur, Rajasthan | 2015 | Crafts & Folk Art |
| Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | 2015 | Music |
| Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 2017 | Music |
| Mumbai, Maharashtra | 2019 | Film |
| Hyderabad, Telangana | 2019 | Gastronomy |
| Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir | 2021 | Crafts & Folk Art |
| Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh | 2023 | Music |
| Kozhikode, Kerala | 2023 | Literature |
| Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | 2025 | Gastronomy |
How India’s Cities Are Benefiting
Here are some real-life impacts:
- Kozhikode (Literature): Rich tradition of writing and public libraries was recognised, bringing literary festivals and visitor interest.
- Gwalior (Music): Famous for classical music heritage (Tansen, Scindia Gharana) and now gets a platform for international collaborations.
- Lucknow (Gastronomy): With the UNESCO tag, the city’s culinary traditions such as Awadhi kebabs, biryani, and sweets are positioned as culture + tourism assets.
What It Means for Local Communities
- Creative city status can open opportunities for artisans, local businesses, restaurants, authors, and musicians.
- It can bring funding and infrastructure from government and private sectors for cultural hubs, festivals, and heritage walks.
- But it also comes with responsibilities — cities must show continuous effort in innovation, inclusive growth, and preserving local culture, not just relying on the tag.
Highlights of UNESCO Creative Cities List [y]
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Network name | UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) |
| Purpose | Promote culture & creativity as engines of urban development |
| Creative fields (7) | Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, Music |
| India’s earliest city listed | Jaipur (2015) |
| Latest Indian city added | Lucknow (2025) |
| Benefits for cities | Global recognition, tourism boost, creative industry development |
| Challenges | Ensuring local benefit, infrastructure investment, conserving heritage while modernising |
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