Lucknow | The much-awaited “Mangal Mahotsav-2026” will commence from tomorrow, marking the beginning of the first Tuesday of the Jyeshtha month. The annual tradition, initiated in 2019 under the Mangalmaan Abhiyan by former Mayor Sanjukta Bhatia, continues this year with a renewed focus on the theme “Bhakti se Sanskar aur Swachhta se Suvyavastha” (Values through devotion and order through cleanliness).
The festival is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Lucknow, where the famous Bada Mangal celebrations witness large-scale community feasts (bhandaras), devotion, and public participation. This year’s edition is being promoted as a “Green Bada Mangal”, emphasizing environmental responsibility alongside faith.
Focus on Green and Clean Celebrations
Former Mayor Sanjukta Bhatia, who is also the patron of the Mangalmaan campaign, said that special recognition will be given to organizers who maintain clean and eco-friendly bhandara sites.
Key highlights of the initiative include:
- Selection and felicitation of well-managed and hygienic green bhandara venues
- Post-bhandara special cleanliness drives at major markets starting 5 PM
- Participation of NCC, NSS, Scouts, RSS environmental volunteers, trader groups, and NGOs in cleanliness campaigns
- Strong appeal to avoid plastic and promote sustainable materials
Appeal for Plastic-Free Bhandaras
Addressing citizens and traders, Bhatia urged everyone to uphold the sanctity of tradition while protecting the environment.
She said that Bada Mangal is not just a religious occasion but a shared festival of service and faith. However, she stressed the need to align devotion with sustainability this year.
Key guidelines include:
- Complete avoidance of thermocol and plastic items
- Use of steel utensils, leaf plates, dona, and earthenware
- Proper arrangements for drinking water in steel containers or large vessels
- Mandatory placement of dustbins at all bhandara sites
- Ensuring zero littering after food distribution
“True devotion to Lord Hanuman lies in ensuring that our service does not harm the city or nature,” she added.
Participation and Registration
Organizers who have not yet registered their bhandaras are encouraged to do so immediately. Many participants have already enrolled for the first Bada Mangal event, and registered sites will receive administrative and campaign support.
Citizens can register their bhandara or water distribution (pyaau) setups through the official form:
Organizers will be contacted by a “Mangal Seva Volunteer” team after submission of details for coordination and assistance.
A Blend of Faith and Responsibility
With large participation expected from residents as well as visitors from outside the city, Mangal Mahotsav-2026 aims to showcase Lucknow’s unique cultural identity—where devotion meets discipline, and tradition aligns with environmental awareness.
The administration and organizers hope that this year’s celebrations will set a benchmark for clean, green, and community-driven festivities across the region.
