Communal harmony on menu at Bada Mangal bhandaras
In a show of communal harmony and camaraderie, people from different communities organised Bada Mangal bhandaras in the city. While some organised bhandaras single-handedly, others contributed to the cause in one way or the other.
Mohammad Arif Farooqui, a businessman who set up a bhandara near Bhootnath market, said it left him with a satisfying feeling. 'I have been raised with values of brotherhood, love and equality. I try organising a bhandara every year. I believe this is one of the ways to serve humanity. At the same time, it provides me with energy that lasts through the rest of the year,' said Farooqui.
Sabiha Ahmad, who lent a helping hand to her friend Poonam, the organiser of a bhandara at Wireless Chauraha, said: 'My friend Ritu Talwar and I contributed to the bhandara which is a good social cause. We also supported Poonam in serving poori-sabzi, boondi and sherbet to people. When somebody is hungry, all they look for is food, while religion is immaterial. Serving mankind is the best way to serve God,' Ahmad said.
Poonam Chhabra, who organised a bhandara near Patrakarpuram market, said: 'I have grown up relishing food served at the Bada Mangal bhandaras. This is a festival of communal harmony which my friends exemplified by coming together,' said Chhabra.
Suresh Chhablani, a businessman who set up a bhandara in Rajajipuram with some of his friends from different faiths, said: 'We believe all humans are equal, and it is our responsibility to bring love and togetherness at the forefront,' said Chhablani.
While there was a beeline of people, regardless of religion, at the bhandaras, some like Tabassum Khatoon (25) did not carry their lunch boxes and enjoyed the prasad at their offices.
'Bhandaras reminded me of my college days when my friends and I used to relish food on Bada Mangal,' said Khatoon.
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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Plastic ban falls flat at bhandara events
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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Veg pulao, ice cream flavour nawab progeny's Mangal feast
Lucknow: In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, Nawab Syed Mohammad Asad, businessman and descendant of the third nawab of Awadh, Muhammad Ali Shah, continued his family tradition of organising bhandara (community feast) on Bada Mangal in the city on Tuesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Asad, who has been faithfully carrying forward this legacy dating back to nawabi era, said. "I've been witnessing this tradition since childhood when my father would organise these feasts during the Jyeshtha month of Hindu calendar." The tradition is to serve all regardless of religious belief. Over the years, bhandaras have offered rice with chhhola, rajma, kadhi, puri sabzi, and boondi. This year, Asad offered veg pulao and ice cream of mango, strawberry, orange, pineapple and lemon flavours. "I organise bhandara not only to preserve my ancestral legacy but also because I believe it's my duty to serve those who struggle for two square meals of the day," said Asad. His mother, Husna Begum, emphasised that the tradition aimed to preserve Lucknow's famous Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, where people of different faiths coexist harmoniously. "We hope our future generations will continue the tradition as also our family legacy," she added. Beside the annual feasts, Asad has contributed to the city's interfaith harmony by installing coolers in several temples, including at Koneshwar temple and Lete Huye Hanumanji temple, demonstrating his commitment to fostering communal brotherhood. Meanwhile, Bada Mangal was celebrated by Leaders Club at the Central Bank of India, Faizabad Road. Prayers were offered to Lord Hanuman for communal harmony and national integration, Rahul Dhawan, captain of Leaders Club said, "We have Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs in our team and we wish to sustain the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb of Awadh," he said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Devotees seek blessings on fourth Bada Mangal in Prayagraj
Prayagraj: Thousands of devotees on Tuesday offered prayers at the Lete Hanuman temple at Sangam on the occasion of the fourth Bada Mangal. The devotees started thronging the temple since early hours on Tuesday morning and the influx continued till late evening hours. The idol of Lord Hanuman was decorated with fruits and flowers on the occasion. Similar crowd was witnessed at almost all the city temples. Priests said that Bada Mangal day is considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Hanuman, who is believed to remove negativity and bring peace and prosperity. June 3 (Tuesday) was the fourth Bada Mangal, and the fifth and the last auspicious Tuesday of the Jyestha month would be observed on June 10, they added. Noted religious scholar Dr Amitabh Gour told TOI that Bada Mangal holds significance among devotees as worshipping Lord Hanuman on Bada Mangal is believed to bring blessings and remove obstacles. He added, "Devotees also observe fasts, offer special prayers, and participate in community feasts (bhandaras) on this day." Meanwhile, policemen were deployed to regulate the flow of devotees at prominent temples in the city.
