The historic city of Lucknow recently witnessed a magnificent celebration of its enduring cultural legacy during the second session of the Koshala Literature Festival, specifically dedicated to 'Shauq-e-Lucknow'. The event brought together royalty, cultural enthusiasts, and modern influencers to explore the depth of Lucknow's traditions that continue to define its unique identity.
The Royal Etiquette of Paan and Culinary Traditions
Nawab Masood Abdullah, a distinguished member of the Awadh royal family, graced the occasion with his profound insights into Lucknow's cultural heritage. He delved deep into the sophisticated tradition of paan in Lucknow, explaining that it's not merely about taste but encompasses an entire etiquette system. Traditionally, paan was served in a special vessel called 'khazdan' and later disposed of in an 'ugaaldan', reflecting the inherent sophistication of Lucknow's courtly manners.
The Nawab elaborated on Lucknow's gentle language where phrases like 'Paan pesh kariye' (offer betel leaf) and 'sheermal lagai jati hai' (sheermal is served) are spoken with a softness that mirrors the city's genteel spirit. He also provided an insightful exploration of Lucknow's culinary identity, highlighting its distinctive flavors, cooking techniques, and gastronomic evolution with particular emphasis on the strong Iranian influence. The use of finely ground aromatic spices imparts a distinct fragrance and refined palate to the cuisine, he noted.
Cultural Significance of Thandai and Chowk's Hidden History
Riddhi Gaur, another Lucknow enthusiast, shed light on the cultural significance of the famous 'Raja ki Thandai' in Chowk, discussing its traditional benefits and enduring popularity among locals and visitors alike. She unveiled a lesser-known facet of Chowk, affectionately called Chhoti Kashi, due to the presence of Shivalingams and ancient wells in nearly every household, hinting at the area's rich historical tapestry.
The session revealed how every gesture in Lucknow, from offering paan to serving refreshing thandai or sumptuous meals, is accompanied by words that echo the city's rich cultural heritage. Meals are lovingly prepared, and delicacies like sheermal, naan, and kulche are served with a warmth that transcends mere flavors.
Modern Lucknow: Social Media and Evolving Journalism
Pulsating with Lucknow's youthful energy during the festival, social media influencers Saubhagya Dixit, Akanksha Awasthi, and Saurabh Chandra participated in the session 'Reel Wala Lucknow'. They emphasized that consistent effort, positive mindset, and authenticity in sharing real experiences have been key factors in their success reaching wide audiences.
In another significant session titled 'Lucknow ka Mediyappa', eminent media personalities examined the evolution of journalism across multiple formats, providing deep insights into how media continues to transform in India. The discussion highlighted the changing landscape of news reporting and consumption patterns in the digital age.
The festival successfully bridged Lucknow's glorious past with its dynamic present, showing how traditional values continue to influence contemporary expressions. The presence of Nawab Masood Abdullah alongside modern content creators demonstrated the seamless blend of heritage and innovation that defines today's Lucknow.
