Lucknow becomes the second Indian city designated as a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’, highlighting its rich culinary heritage, architecture, arts, and cultural traditions, promoting sustainable urban development.

Why in the News?

Lucknow has been designated a "Creative City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO, becoming 2^nd Indian city after Hyderabad.

More on news

Nawab Asaf-ud-daulah's decision to relocate the Awadh's capital to Lucknow in 1775 elevated the city to its esteemed status.
- It was nicknamed "Shiraz-i-Hind" and "The Constantinople of the East" for being a hub of poetry, music, and fine arts.
- It is also known as the 'The Golden City of India' for its refinement and epicurean excellence.
Under the royal patronage, Bawarchis and rakabdars in Nawabs' kitchens mastered the slow-cooked Dum Pukht technique and a range that included kebabs, kormas, biryanis, sheermal, and shahi tukda.
Other key features of Lucknow:
- Architectural Synthesis: The city's identity is rooted in its unique fusion of Mughal and Awadhi architectural traditions.
- Tangible Assets: Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Bhul Bhulaiya, etc.
  - Nawabi Features: Use of fish motif (especially on gates), chhattars, baradari (twelve-door pavilion), and lakhauri bricks.
- Intangible Assets: Lucknowi cuisine (a combination of Mughlai and Awadhi customs), Urdu poetry and ghazals, traditional dance like Kathak, and the traditional craft of Chikankari embroidery.

About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

Establishment: The UCCN is recognized as UNESCO's flagship city programme, established in 2004.
UCCN Application Process: State's Directorate of Tourism submits a city nomination to the Ministry of Culture, followed by the Government of India selecting the city as the country's official entry. The UCCN makes a Call for Applications every two years.
Objectives:
- To promote culture and creativity driven urban development.
- To place culture and creativity at the centre of urban planning to create a safe, resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban environment for all.
- Aligns with the Goal 11 of UN Sustainable Development.
- Cities pool resources and knowledge by sharing experiences, developing pilot projects, promoting professional and artistic exchange, and contributing to studies and evaluations.
UCCN covers eight creative fields: Architecture, Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Music and Media Arts.

Conclusion

UNESCO designation is an opportunity to promote culinary heritage, boost training, market access for local vendors and small food entrepreneurs, and develop food-led tourism circuits.