Bada Mangal today

LUCKNOW: May 11 would be a day of celebration in the city of nawabs. It is Bada Mangal, a day which is celebrated by all denizens of Lucknow, though no one is sure about the history of the festival.
"There are many stories about the origin of the festival, one that I find slightly convincing is about the child of Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah who fell critically ill.Begum Rabia, wife of the Nawab took her child to various doctors and vaids, but none could cure the child. Finally the priest of the old Hanuman temple in Aliganj asked her leave the child at the mercy of Lord Hanuman," says SL Kapoor, secretary, Hanuman temple near Lucknow University.
The child recovered by the blessing of Lord Hanuman, and Begum Rabia returned to the temple to make an offering to the priest. "Instead the priest requested that the Begum arrange for a fair in the area, so that it would assist trade of the region, bringing economic stability for people," said Kapoor.
Since then the tradition of the fair continues in Lucknow. All the Tuesdays in the month of Jeth are considered auspicious and the fair is organised in Aliganj area. "The first Tuesday, though holds a special significance and is known as Bada Mangal," says Kapoor.
All the Hanuman temples in the city are spruced up for the occasion, and vendors get busy making flower garlands for the day.