Bada Mangal - Lord Hanuman - PixelsForCharity

Rubik’s cube mural of Lord Hanuman

Bada Mangal is a unique festival celebrated exclusively in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Observed on Tuesdays during the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May-June), this tradition has been integral to the city’s culture for over 400 years.

During the festival, Hanuman temples across Lucknow are adorned with decorations, and devotees gather to offer prayers and sing devotional songs. A hallmark of Bada Mangal is the organization of ‘bhandaras,’ where free food is distributed to all, reflecting the city’s spirit of communal harmony. The origins of Bada Mangal are intertwined with Lucknow’s syncretic culture. Legend suggests that the festival began during the Mughal era, symbolizing the city’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb—a blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions.

In essence, Bada Mangal is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of Lucknow’s rich cultural tapestry, fostering unity and shared community values.