By The Sampadak Express
Lucknow: The city of Nawabs witnessed a vibrant display of devotion and communal harmony on Tuesday as thousands of devotees gathered to mark the first Bada Mangal of the season. A celebration unique to Lucknow, the festival honours Lord Hanuman and stands as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, with people from all backgrounds participating in the festivities.
From as early as 4 AM, major Hanuman temples including Old Hanuman Temple in Aliganj, Hanuman Setu, Chachi Kuan Temple, Rakabganj Hanuman Temple, Mauni Baba Temple, Gulacheen Temple, and Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Temple welcomed waves of worshippers. Long queues formed throughout the day as devotees offered prayers and sought blessings.
A hallmark of the Bada Mangal celebrations is the massive organization of bhandaras free community feasts. This year, more than 1,500 bhandaras were set up across the city, offering meals and refreshments to thousands. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) played a pivotal role in ensuring cleanliness and order at these sites.
Sanitation and Supervision
To maintain hygiene, LMC deployed special sanitation teams. Additional Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Srivastava inspected multiple sites in Zone 4, particularly in Viram Khand-5, instructing organizers and municipal staff to ensure regular waste collection and cleanliness.
Dr. P.K. Srivastava, Nagar Swasthya Adhikari, visited the Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Temple near Hazratganj and responded swiftly to a sewage overflow in the nearby Janpath Market. He also oversaw the installation of public toilets and RC bins at Parivartan Chowk and reviewed arrangements at Hanumant Dham Temple.
Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar emphasized the LMC’s commitment to a “zero-waste Bada Mangal,” noting that the corporation’s control room provided citywide monitoring. Most organizers used biodegradable materials and ensured proper disposal of waste, promoting environmentally responsible festivities.
Organizations Come Together
Various government bodies and private entities also joined the initiative. The Debt Recovery Tribunal, Lucknow, hosted a bhandara under the leadership of Nitesh Tripathi, who has managed the event for a decade. “Our aim is to ensure no one goes hungry while we serve God’s prasad,” he said.
The BSNL Hazratganj branch organized a bhandara using 200 kg of wheat, 60 kg of rice, and generous quantities of vegetables and boondi. “This is our way of strengthening community ties and seeking divine blessings,” said Assistant Director Vipul Mohan.
A motor company near the Purana Hanuman Mandir in Aliganj hosted a bhandara with the goal of feeding at least 5,000 people. “Funding comes from the owners and employee contributions. We ensure food safety, cleanliness, and even provide parking facilities,” said firm official Ratnesh Pathak.
Bada Mangal, with its blend of faith, festivity, and fraternity, once again highlighted the spirit of Lucknow welcoming, inclusive, and deeply rooted in tradition.
