Jaipur and Varanasi has made India’s maiden entry to the Creative City Network of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- Irina Bokova (Director-General of UNESCO) has announced the designation of 47 cities from 33 countries as new members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
- Jaipur (Rajasthan) is added in the Crafts and Folk Art category.
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) is added in the Music category.
Varanasi – Combination of a Temple city with rich Tradition in Music
Varanasi was advocated as an ideal example of India’s intangible Cultural heritage.
- The Varanasi school of music or the Benaras gharana named after the city along with the semi classical genres like Hori, Chaiti, Tappa, and Daadra are rich in musical heritage.
- The city has over 250 music institutions private & public, 10 auditoria, 55 venues of art promotion and nearly 12000 students of music.
Jaipur – City with Rich variety in Craft
36 varieties of crafts were identified including the ones related to Sculpture, Pottery Textiles and Jewellery making. Right from King Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 18th Century to his successors, the city has been nurtured as a centre of artistic excellence.
- 30% of the city’s economy is sustained by small scale craft industries.
About UNESCO Creative City Network
It was launched in 2004 and comprises 116 Member Cities with an aim to foster international cooperation with and between cities committed to investing in creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development, social inclusion and cultural vibrancy.
- The UNESCO Creative Cities Network covers 7 creative fields: Crafts and Folk Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
Keys
- Nicknames for Varanasi – Spiritual capital of India, Religious capital of India, City of Lights, City of Temples, City of Learning, Oldest living city on Earth and Holy City.
- Nicknames for Jaipur – Pink City & Paris of India.
