Lucknow witnessed a remarkable display of communal harmony and devotion during the sixth Bada Mangal festival on Tuesday. Residents from various communities came together to organize bhandaras across the city, reinforcing the spirit of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. The air resonated with chants of "Jai Bajrang Bali" as long queues formed at food counters, serving free meals to devotees and passers-by.
Community Participation Across Localities
In Paper Mill Colony, Bengali businessman Devashsish Chwodhury arranged a bhandara where puri, sabzi, and boondi were served. Applauding Lucknow's distinctive custom, Keralite merchant navy officer Pradeep Nair said, "Before organizing the bhandara, I did some research on the tradition and was impressed to see how people across all communities serve one another."
The Alumni Association of Cathedral, along with the school administration, actively participated by serving puri-sabzi and kadhi-chawal. Former principal Father Donald DSouza remarked, "This tradition is a symbol of brotherhood, unity, peace, and community bonding." In Aashiana, brothers Anil Thamble and Sunil Thamble set up a bhandara offering puri-sabzi, mirchi vada, and aloo vada.
Diverse Communities Embrace Tradition
Near Lucknow University, Professor DR Sahu from the Odia community distributed puri, sabzi, and boondi. "I belong to Odisha but have lived in Lucknow for years and adopted its traditions," he said. Padmabhushan Tiwari of the Bhojpuri community hosted an elaborate bhandara in Indiranagar, serving puri, sabzi, boondi, kadhi-chawal, chhole, kheer, and sharbat to hundreds of devotees.
The festival not only highlighted the city's inclusive culture but also attracted participation from people of different regions and faiths, all united in devotion and service. This annual event continues to be a beacon of communal harmony in Lucknow.
