Lucknow: Highlighting the global cultural identity of Lucknow’s iconic ‘Bade Mangal’ celebrations, Sandeep Bansal, National President of Akhil Bharatiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal and former Uttar Pradesh minister, called for eco-friendly and plastic-free community feasts (bhandaras) during the upcoming Jyeshtha month.
Addressing a press conference, Bansal said that the tradition of organizing large-scale bhandaras during ‘Bade Mangal’—which begins from May 5 this year—has given Lucknow a unique recognition across the world. He noted that it is a rare cultural phenomenon where, on these auspicious Tuesdays, most households in the city refrain from cooking and instead partake in the prasad distributed through these community feasts.
Emphasizing the need to strengthen this legacy, Bansal urged organizers to ensure that this year’s bhandaras are clean, green, and completely free from plastic. “The true spirit of devotion is reflected not just in service, but also in maintaining cleanliness. A bhandara can only be considered successful when no litter, plastic, or disposable waste is seen on the streets,” he said.
He further pointed out that this year is especially significant, as the Jyeshtha period will span two lunar months, resulting in a total of eight ‘Bade Mangal’ occasions. With an expected rise in the number of bhandaras across the city, he stressed the importance of avoiding polythene, plastic cups, spoons, and plates, and instead adopting sustainable alternatives.
Campaign coordinator Prof. Ramkumar Tiwari appealed to residents of Lucknow to organize bhandaras with devotion while ensuring cleanliness and environmental responsibility. He added that several social organizations have come forward to support the initiative and will participate through voluntary service (shramdaan) during the events.
Bansal also informed that a meeting of bhandara organizers has already been conducted, and another large gathering of around 1,000 organizers is scheduled for May 2 under the ‘Mangalman’ campaign. The event will also feature a ‘Mangal Mahotsav,’ where organizers will be honoured and briefed on administrative support being extended by the district authorities.
Calling upon the trader community to actively participate, Bansal emphasized that devotion combined with cleanliness elevates food into prasad, making it meaningful for both those who serve and those who receive it.
Prof. Tiwari further revealed that awareness initiatives, including competitions, will be organized across institutions such as University of Lucknow and other schools and colleges. He added that a research paper on the cultural and social significance of ‘Bade Mangal’ is also being prepared.
The press conference was attended by several prominent members of the trading and social community, including Suresh Chhablani, Anupam Srivastava of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Anuj Gautam, Sanjaynidhi Agrawal, and Anil Agrawal.
