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Lucknow's Extended Bada Mangal: 8 Tuesdays of Devotion
5 May
Summary
- Lucknow celebrates an extended Bada Mangal festival with eight Tuesdays this year.
- The festival's duration is prolonged due to the rare Adhik Maas lunar month.
- Tradition traces back to the 18th century, linked to Begum Alia of Lucknow.

Lucknow is currently marking the commencement of its annual Bada Mangal festival, an observance dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This year's celebration is particularly notable as it extends over eight Tuesdays, a significant increase from the typical four or five. The prolonged duration is attributed to the presence of Adhik Maas, an extra lunar month that has extended the Hindu month of Jyeshtha to 59 days.
The festivities, which are set to continue until June 23, are a vibrant display of Lucknow's unique Ganga-Jamuni culture. Devotees can expect community feasts, devotional programs, and special prayers. Volunteers will be distributing food and drinks throughout the day, with long queues anticipated.
This unique Lucknow tradition is believed to have originated in the 18th century, with connections to the Hanuman temple in Aliganj. Local lore suggests Begum Alia, wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, was guided in a dream to establish the temple at a specific site where an idol was discovered.
In response to an LPG shortage, district officials have stated that registered community kitchens, known as 'bhandaras,' will receive priority for cylinder supplies during the festival.