LUCKNOW ENTERS UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES LIST FOR GASTRONOMY
Why in News
- Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has been officially declared a UNESCO “Creative City of Gastronomy”, recognizing its centuries-old Awadhi culinary tradition, living food culture, and inclusive heritage.
- The announcement was made during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Uzbekistan.
- This marks Lucknow’s entry into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) — a global initiative celebrating cities that use creativity and culture as strategic levers for sustainable urban development.
ABOUT UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK
| Feature | Details |
| Established | 2004 by UNESCO |
| Objective | To promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable development. |
| Fields Covered | 7 categories — Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music. |
| Membership (as of 2025) | 350+ cities from around the world. |
| India’s Representation (Before Lucknow) | Jaipur (Crafts & Folk Art), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Mumbai (Film), Srinagar (Crafts & Folk Art), Gwalior (Music), Kozhikode (Literature). |
| Now Added | Lucknow — Creative City of Gastronomy (2025) |
ABOUT LUCKNOW’S CULINARY HERITAGE
| Aspect | Details |
| Culinary Identity | Awadhi Cuisine — influenced by Mughal, Persian, and regional Indian traditions. |
| Signature Dishes | Galouti kebab, Kakori kebab, Nihari, Sheermal, Biryani, Kulcha, Roomali Roti, Sewaiyan, and Makkhan Malai. |
| Unique Features | Slow-cooking (dum pukht), use of aromatic spices, refined presentation, and culinary etiquette (tehzeeb). |
| Cultural Symbolism | Reflects the city’s composite culture (Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb) — a blend of Hindu and Muslim influences. |
STATEMENTS & REACTIONS
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Lucknow, stating: “Lucknow is synonymous with vibrant culture, at the core of which lies its great culinary heritage. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow.”
- Tourism & Culture Minister, U.P. — Jaiveer Singh:
- Said the recognition strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s global image as a leader in culinary tourism.
- Described it as a step toward “Viksit Uttar Pradesh”, aligning with India’s broader cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism
TOURISM & ECONOMIC IMPACT
| Indicator | Data |
| Tourist Footfall (2024) | 82,74,154 tourists (domestic + foreign) |
| First Half of 2025 | Over 70,20,492 visitors |
| Expected Impact of UNESCO Tag | Boost to culinary tourism, local food-based entrepreneurship, sustainable hospitality, and international visibility. |
UP GOVERNMENT’S VISION
- Leverage the UNESCO title to:
- Promote food-based startups and innovation.
- Integrate local artisans, chefs, and food entrepreneurs into the global market.
- Enhance “Brand Lucknow” as a global gastronomic hub.
ABOUT CREATIVE CITY OF GASTRONOMY TAG
This recognition is awarded to cities that:
- Have a rich culinary heritage.
- Promote sustainable food practices.
- Use gastronomy as a driver for tourism, employment, and cultural exchange.
- Encourage community participation in preserving food traditions.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RECOGNITION
| Dimension | Impact |
| Cultural | Global acknowledgment of Lucknow’s Awadhi cuisine as an integral part of India’s intangible cultural heritage. |
| Economic | Boosts culinary tourism, hospitality industry, and food-based entrepreneurship. |
| Diplomatic | Positions Lucknow as a hub of cultural diplomacy showcasing India’s “Unity in Diversity.” |
| Sustainable Development | Aligns with UNESCO’s SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth). |
| Urban Development | Encourages urban planning that integrates culture, cuisine, and sustainability. |
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