Devotees throng temples on first 'Bada Mangal' in UP

Thousands of devotees of Lord Hanuman Tuesday thronged various temples here on the occasion of 'Bada Mangal', one of the biggest annual festivals celebrated in the city.

The festival, which goes on for four consecutive Tuesdays, is celebrated in the Hindu month of Jeth, and coincides with the months of May or June in the Gregorian calendar.

All the major temples in the city - Dakshinmukhi Hanuman temple in Hazratganj, Purana and Naya Mandir in Aliganj, Chachi Kuan temple in Lal Kuan and the Hanuman Setu temple on the university road - have been decked up with flowers and lights.

Devotees started thronging temples since early morning, some walking several miles barefoot while others rolled over on roads to reach temples for a sighting of their favourite deity.

Police have made elaborate arrangements, including diverting traffic at various places. With temperatures soaring, voluntary organisations have set up water and cold drink kiosks for devotees.

Mahant Gopaldas, priest of the Aliganj temple, told IANS that the celebrations kickstarted Monday night itself when the traditional 'chola' or clothes were offered to the revered monkey god.

The deity was decorated with around 300 kg of flowers at the sleeping Hanuman temple in old Lucknow. Arrangements for live darshan through webcam was also done at some temples.