City of Literature

Kozhikode, a coastal city in Kerala, is known for its harmonious blend of Art, Literature & Culture. Home to popular publishing houses, libraries, famous writers, actors, musicians, playwrights, and other literary enthusiasts, this city boasts its literary wealth dating back to the 14th century. In 2023, this port town received UNESCO recognition as the “City of Literature”.

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.

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.

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 Anakkulam 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.