Crowds relish chilled treats during bhandaras

Lucknow: Long queues gained respite from oppressive heat and humidity with chilled beverages served at bhandaras across the city on third Bada Mangal. On Sitapur Road, crowds gathered for shikanji, rasna, froot juice and poori-halwa.In Indiranagar, volunteers distributed cold water and shikanji. Auto driver Ram Lakhan said, “It’s so hot and getting something chilled to drink is a big relief.” E-rickshaw driver Samad said, “It’s a blessing in this heat.”In Aashiaana, a bhandara serving ice cream, kulfi and veg pulao drew crowds. Organiser Sandeep Singh Gaur said demand for cold drinks was higher than for food. In Alambagh, people were served malpua with panna. Roshni Singh said she collected the chilled beverage because the heat had made her thirsty and weak. Labourers Anand, Raju and Sajjad said the drinks felt refreshing and gave them strength they needed to work in such weather.