LUCKNOW: Over three centuries old tradition of organising
Bada Mangal
fair at New Hanuman temple in Aliganj will be broken this year.
In fact, there will be no celebration in temples on four auspicious Tuesdays falling on May 12, 19, 26 and June 2.
Over 50,000 devotees from various parts of the state visit the temple to celebrate Bada Mangal.
“The tradition of fair on Bada Mangal began after the city was hit by a plague long ago. Those who were inside the temple at that time remained safe. Since then the fair is being organised every year. We have been receiving calls from devotees to open the temple gates for a day on Tuesday, but considering safety of everyone, the temple will remain closed,” said Anil Tiwari, of Aliganj Shri Mahaveer ji Trust (Naya Hanuman Mandir).
“The day is not only dedicated to the lord, but also becomes a reflection of Hindu-Muslim bonhomie when members of both the communities come forward to celebrate the auspicious day,” he added.
Lucknow chronicler
Yogesh Praveen
says the temple was built by Janab-e-Alia, Hindu wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah, nearly 350-years ago, after her wish for a child was fulfilled. “The Begum was blessed with a son and she dreamt of a divine presence commanding her to build a shrine in honour of Hanuman. After the temple was built, the tradition of celebrating Bada Mangal and organising a fair started around that time which continues till date,” he added.
Hanuman Setu temple, Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman temple and other temples will also remain closed on Bada Mangal due to the lockdown.
Hanuman Setu temple will only be opened for priests to perform the traditional ‘aarti’ to mark the day.
“All the programmes have been cancelled. There will be no live ‘aarti' on social media handles. Whoever wishes to offer prayers will only be able to do so from outside the temple,” said Divakar Tripathi, secretary, Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ji Trust.
Aliganj’s Purana Hanuman Mandir, said to be the oldest Hanuman temple in the city, will not hold any grand programme this year.
Ramesh Yadav, a resident of Alambagh, said that he will miss preparing variety of ‘prasad’ at his Bada Mangal pandal.
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