Winters in Lucknow are much-awaited because of the perks it comes with but going beyond makkhan malai and the pleasant weather, we’re always excited about Mahotsav.
One of the grandest festivals in Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Mahotsav is always on our winter social calendar as a priority. The moment we near towards the end of the year, we start vehemently Googling the dates for it; planning out our evenings accordingly.
This year too, this highly anticipated festival was supposed to commence on the 17th of January but due to ‘unavoidable circumstances’, it has been postponed indefinitely.
What’s the News?
Lucknow has been hosting Lucknow Mahotsav for decades now and it is an attempt to promote tourism by the government through Lakhnavi art, heritage and tehzeeb. Like every year, Lucknowites have been gearing up to attend this fair but due to ‘multiple events’ line-up, it’s being put on a hold.
The decision was declared shortly, after the district officials released the posters and logo of the Mahotsav, in a press conference.
According to reports, District Magistrate, Abhishek Prakash stated that the decision was taken after meeting with higher officers, however, there was no specific reason for the postponement. Other administrative officers mentioned that the event has been postponed due to security reasons.
The city administration has also been preparing for two other upcoming events; the Defence Expo, scheduled in February and the 23rd National Youth Festival from January 12 to 17. So this was also an excuse for pushing back the dates for Lucknow Mahotsav this year.
According to other media sources, another statement by an official was made, stating, “The postponement has cost us considerable money and rearranging the dates will not be easy because the booking of Bollywood stars and other artists is done months in advance. Besides, the event which is held in an open space, cannot be organised in the summer due to heat.”
Knock Knock
Along with the release of the itineraries of indoor and outdoor events, the officials had also announced the guest line-up. Stalls for various artisans had been auctioned and all arrangements were already in place but now, it is also being put on hold.
Lucknow Mahotsav was initially postponed in November 2019 and was slated to be held in January 2020, due to the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya.
