A unique cultural spectacle unfolded on the serene waters of the Gomti River in Lucknow, blending the city's famed poetic legacy with its natural beauty. On a sunny winter afternoon, the picturesque setting of Shaheed Smarak became the launchpad for 'The Boat Trail', an immersive event dedicated to poetry, ghazals, music, and the rich heritage of Awadh.
A Voyage Through Lucknow's Cultural Tapestry
Organized by Rang-e-Awadh in collaboration with Dastan-e-Awadh and Lucknow Heritage Walk, the event offered participants a day to remember. Before the boats set sail, Nawab Masood Abdullah, one of the founders of Rang-e-Awadh, illuminated the gathering on the essence of Lucknow's 'tehzeeb' (etiquette) and heritage. He emphasized that the city's unique identity is woven from its food, mannerisms, monuments, handicrafts, and the refined culture initiated by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
Abdullah also introduced the attending poets to the visitors, namely Hasan Kazmi, Kunwar Javed, Mohd Ali Sahil, and Balwant Singh. Following this, the attendees boarded a fleet of twelve boats, each adorned vibrantly with flowers, balloons, and decorative strings, ready to embark on their literary and musical journey.
An Enthralling Symphony of Verse and Melody on Water
As the decorated boats gently sailed along the Gomti, the air filled with the soulful recitation of poetry and the melodic strains of classic ghazals. Artists captivated the audience with renditions of beloved pieces like 'Hum to hain pardes mein, des men nikla hoga chaand' and 'Ranjish hi sahi', along with the song 'Do lafzon ki hai dil ki kahani'. The participating poets shared their original works, creating a moving, intimate atmosphere.
The experience was met with overwhelming delight from the visitors. Farzana, a participant, expressed her awe, stating it was the first time she had listened to poetry on a boat and found the experience utterly enthralling. Youngsters on board engaged enthusiastically, humming along to the ghazals and capturing the memorable moments through selfies and photographs.
Participants Call for More Such Cultural Initiatives
The resounding feedback from attendees highlighted a deep appreciation for this novel format of cultural celebration. Amrit Saha, who attended with his friend Vishal Singh, described the boat ride as amazing and advocated for such memorable events to be organized more frequently.
Echoing this sentiment, another visitor, Ritu Bharadwaj, remarked on the uniqueness of the event, noting she had never before attended such a distinctive confluence of music and poetry. The Boat Trail successfully demonstrated a creative way to experience and celebrate the living heritage of Lucknow, leaving participants with a cherished memory of art, history, and community on the gentle waves of the Gomti.
