From Curses To Love Stories: 5 Spine-Tingling Tales Only Lucknow Knows

India.com

20-07-2025

The city of Nawabs, Lucknow is well-known for its magnificent historical construction, delicious food, and culture. But under the streets and monuments inspired by the Mughal Era, there lies an enthralling combination of myths and legends. These tales carry a magical touch and offer a glimpse into the cultural and historical aspects of Lucknow. Join us as we immerse ourselves in some of the most captivating local myths and legends of Lucknow.
1.Voices of Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara, alongside being one of the most well-known monuments in Lucknow, is also a site draped in mystery. The structure is famous for its Bhool Bhulaiya (labyrinth) and it is known among locals to have countless stories of spirits roaming its halls. The story goes that the monument built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula had a vision to create work opportunities for his people who were severely suffering from famine. The workers were said to have worked themselves to the bone and it is said that many of their souls remain trapped in the walls.
One of the most mesmerizing features of the Bhool Bhulaiya is its architecture, which comprises over a thousand passages that interconnect with each other throughout the structure. Some of these passages either lead to dead ends or hidden chambers. Visitors often report feeling an otherworldly presence around the place, especially in the passageways that are dimly lit. Even though there are scoffers that dismiss these experiences as illusions, there are some who still visit the place due to its mysterious nature.
Did you know?:
The monument was constructed in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula
The Bhool Bhulaiya has 1,024 passages.
The spirits of laborers haunting the monument is a common myth amongst locals.
2.The Chattar Manzil Curse
Also known as the umbrella palace, Chattar Manzil is a structure located on the banks of the Gomti river, known for its dome shaped roof. This structure is a work of art as it served as a palace for the royals. However, it is often said to be burdened with an unfortunate curse. The story goes that a royal concubine who was accused of treason laid a curse on the palace before her death. It is said that the curse brings misfortune to anyone who attempts to renovate or repurpose the palace.
Even though it has been restored multiple times, there still lies accounts of financial difficulties, unexplained occurrences, and sudden accidents during the restoration works. These are attributed to coincidences by historians but are still enough to keep the tale alive.
Did you know?:
This structure is located near the Gomti river.
Served as the headquarters of the British Residency during the time of the 1857 revolt.
Curse restoration blunders association is often linked to locals.
3.The Residency's Well of Luck
One of the notable places in 1857 during the First Freedom Struggle in India, The British Residency in Lucknow has a past that is mythological and steeped in history. It contains ruins of ancient structures, which also includes a well – famous as the 'Well of Luck.' As the legend goes, it is believed that wishing while putting a coin in the well can fulfill all the wishes of the person.
The tale is said to have originated during the 1857 siege when soldiers praying for their survival and possibility of safety made use of the well. Even though the well no longer has water, the huge amount of coins 'thrown' into it gives evidence of the mystical powers bestowed by fortune.
Pointers:
The complex of the Residency was broken down in 1857 during the uprising.
The well is regarded for people seeking for good fortune.
The legend surrounding the well has not been verified by historical documents.
4.The Hazratganj Ghost Bride
While shopping is the main goal for tourists who visit Hazratganj, this mesmerizing district in Lucknow also conceals some of the city's most intriguing flip-side tales, one of them being the account of a ghost bride. Rumor has it that a bride died a horrific death on her wedding day in the early 1900s. Strangers claim that they have seen a woman sobbing while aimlessly roaming the streets of Hazratganj clad in a red bridal dress.
There are other stories that say she approaches strangers and requests them to guide her home. Anyone who dares to give her an incorrect response will undergo misfortune in their life. While others deem these stories as mere folklore, there are people who stand firm on their encounters with the ghost bride.
Research Findings
Hazratganj was established during the Nawabi period and has gone through numerous changes.
Many people believe that the ghost bride can only be seen on certain moonlit evenings.
Hers is one of countless unrecognized myths that have no proof of existence.
5.The Twin Trees of Dilkusha Garden
Everything about Dilkusha Garden is simply beautiful. The atmosphere, the ancient structures, and even its traditions. One such story revolves around the twin trees situated in the garden. According to local lore, these trees were once part of a forbidden romantic relationship which ended in a tragic curse. These locals claim that the trees attempt to touch each other as if to prove their love is still alive.
Countless visitors come to the garden in order to observe the peculiar growth patterns of the trees' branches. These patterns show that the trees' branches grow in each other's direction but never converge. The locals believe that if a couple times a thread on the tree, they will be gifted with everlasting love and harmony.
Facts
The garden was part of a hunting lodge built in the 18th century.
Numerous couples try to get their vows blessed by the twin trees.
Renowned floral scholars believe the towers to be a product of dendritic phenomena rather than magic.
Wrapping Up
Every legend and myth existing in Lucknow creates an appealing story that incorporates tangible and intangible facts about the area. Regardless of whether you are a skeptic or a religious follower, these narratives provide a platform to see the city's charm outside of its aesthetic charm. The city's stunning legacy only adds to the exceptional beauty of the city's treasures, and from its haunted deaths of Bara Imambara to the romantic tales of the garden, every story lends an additional level of charm to the city.
Whenever you are strolling through the streets of Lucknow, pause for a moment. Absorb its culture, which might make your visit unforgettable.