Lucknow: The Mangalman Abhiyan has officially inaugurated Mangal Mahotsav 2026, a dedicated effort to enhance the dignity and organization of the traditional Bada Mangal festivals in Lucknow. Launched in 2019 by then-Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia, the campaign aims to transform these celebrations into clean, green, and well-managed events. By integrating modern technology, such as “e-Bhandaras,” the initiative allows devotees from distant locations to participate in the spiritual merits of the 400-year-old tradition while promoting environmental conservation.
Collaborative Leadership for a Sustainable Tradition
The inauguration ceremony at Bhagidari Bhawan in Gomti Nagar was attended by several high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including State Social Welfare Minister Shri Asim Arun and RSS All India Co-Coordinator for Environment Shri Rakesh Jain. Former Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia, IAS Anita Bhatnagar Jain, and senior police and municipal officials were also present to support the movement. Shri Ram Kumar Tiwari, coordinator of the Mangalman Abhiyan, emphasized the importance of mandatory prior notification for Bhandaras to ensure proper sanitation, facilities, and drinking water for all participants.
Strategic Initiatives for “Zero Waste” Festivals
The committee presented a comprehensive action plan for a “Clean and Green Bada Mangal,” which includes the following key components:
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Hanumat E-Bhandara & Utensil Bank: The launch of digital platforms and utensil banks to reduce plastic waste.
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Awareness Through Messaging: Large posters with slogans like “True devotion to Hanuman ji lies in cleanliness” and “Take only what you can eat” will be displayed to prevent food wastage.
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Educational Outreach: An online quiz targeting 100,000 participants has been initiated to engage the younger generation.
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Competitive Improvement: An “Ideal Bhandara” competition will be held across various city sectors to encourage organizers to follow the best practices in hygiene and management.
Civic Responsibility and Municipal Support
Former Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia urged citizens to take responsibility for Bhandaras in their respective areas, promising to make the stretch between Singar Nagar and Alambagh Metro Stations a model for ideal Bhandara sites. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has appealed for collective action, noting that a “Zero Waste Bada Mangal Bhandara” is essential for maintaining the city’s beauty.
To assist citizens and organizers, the Municipal Corporation has released dedicated helpline numbers for sanitation and water-related issues:
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Toll-Free Helpline: 1533
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Mobile Assistance: 9219902911, 9219902912, 9219902913, 9219902914
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Water Control Room: 8177054100, 8177054010, 8177054003
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Zonal Cleanliness Support: 18001234999 (Zones 1, 3, 4, 6, 7) and 18002026172 (Zones 2, 5, 8)
