Bada Mangal celebrated in Lucknow

Lucknow May 16 (IANS) The first Bada Mangal a special festival which draws thousands to Hanuman temples across the state capital is being celebrated on Tuesday with much fervour and gaiety.

Devotees thronged Hanuman temples from early morning to pay obeisance to the deity.

A large crowd turned up at the Hanuman Setu and Aliganj Hanuman temples following which traffic snarls were reported from many places.

Bhandaras have been organised at more than a thousand places across the city with people offering food sweets and even pizzas at some places.

For all the Tuesdays of the Hindu calendar month of Jeth the Bada Mangal festival is celebrated in Lucknow and some neighbouring areas.

All Hanuman temples have been decorated and security has been stepped up at most places. Traffic has been required to be diverted at some places due to crowing of devotees.

--IANS
md/pgh/vt