Global recognition for Lucknow under Yogi’s leadership
Under PM Modi’s vision and CM Yogi’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh emerges as the nation’s pride: Jaiveer Singh
CM Yogi (PC- Social Media)
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has achieved a new milestone in global recognition. UNESCO has designated Lucknow as a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’, an honor reserved for cities that inspire the world through their culinary excellence, cultural richness, and innovation. The announcement was made during UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, coinciding with World Cities Day.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated, "Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has become a source of pride for the nation. Lucknow’s inclusion in the global network is a tribute to its rich culinary heritage and cultural vibrancy."
He added that this recognition reaffirms the growing strength of the tourism sector and the state’s progress toward a “Viksit Uttar Pradesh.”
He explained that the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department submitted Lucknow’s nomination to the Union Ministry of Culture on January 31, 2025, which was later forwarded to UNESCO after thorough evaluation on March 3, 2025. Lucknow was officially inducted into the UNESCO 'Creative City of Gastronomy' on October 31.
Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Amrit Abhijat, informed that the UNESCO network now comprises 70 cities worldwide, with eight new additions this year. Lucknow’s selection, he said, will give its culinary legacy and hospitality traditions a new international identity. He added, "In 2024, the city welcomed 8.27 million tourists, and 7.02 million have already visited in the first half of 2025, highlighting how cuisine and culture are driving Uttar Pradesh’s tourism growth."
Special Secretary of Tourism, Isha Priya, noted that Lucknow now stands among select global cities that use food as a bridge for cultural exchange and sustainable development. The Tourism Department, she added, will soon roll out new initiatives to further strengthen this global identity.
Lucknow’s achievement is a living celebration of its Awadhi cuisine, Nawabi elegance, and culinary diversity. From the world-famous Tunde Kababi to Kulcha-Nihari, the city’s timeless flavors will now further elevate Uttar Pradesh’s identity on the global map.