Lucknow: City will mark the first Bada Mangal on Tuesday, launching the annual festival dedicated to Lord Hanuman, with temples across the city decked out for the occasion.Celebrated on every Tuesday of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, Bada Mangal holds special significance this year due to Adhik Maas, the extra lunar month. Priests and astrologers said the unusual calendar alignment has stretched Jyeshtha to 59 days, leading to eight Tuesdays instead of the usual four or five. The festivities are set to continue until June 23.Regarded as unique to Lucknow, the festival is seen as a reflection of the city’s Ganga-Jamuni culture. Community feasts, devotional programmes and special prayers form the core of the observance, with long queues expected on roadsides as volunteers distribute food and drinks throughout the day.The tradition is believed to trace back to the 18th century and the Hanuman temple in Aliganj, associated with Begum Alia, wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. According to local lore, she dreamt of Lord Hanuman directing her to build a temple at a specific site. An idol was later discovered there, and when an elephant carrying it refused to move, the spot was chosen for the shrine.Amid an LPG shortage, district officials said registered bhandaras would receive priority cylinder supply.
