Lucknow: Ganesh Puja celebrations gathered momentum across Old Lucknow on Tuesday as hundreds of devotees thronged pandals, amid chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, devotional music and cultural programmes.At Chowk Ke Raja pandal, organised by the Marathi Samaj of Lucknow, the pandal was modelled on the Konark Sun Temple and has a replica of the Siddhivinayak idol. Priests from Maharashtra performed the morning aarti, followed by distribution of modak, laddoo and kheer. Children and adults dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire participated in dance and fancy-dress competitions, while stalls serving vada pav, misal pav and puran poli attracted visitors. Pune native Mrinalini Shinde, now settled in Lucknow, said the celebrations recreated the festive spirit of Maharashtra.At Aminabad Ke Raja, families visited throughout the day, with children turning heads in Marathi costumes. Eleven-year-old Suhasini Chauhan donned a nauvari sari and traditional jewellery, saying her devotion to Lord Ganesha inspired the look. The pandal hosted kirtans, Sundarkand recitation and a bhandara serving puri-sabzi, chhola and boondi. Marathi couple Anjana and Paresh Joseph, who shifted to Lucknow recently, said the festivities reminded them of the grandeur of Ganesh Utsav back home.Meanwhile, Shivaji Marg Ka Raja, based on the theme of “serving parents”, witnessed a steady stream of devotees. Rituals included morning aarti and makhana rudrabhishek, followed by bhog comprising chhola bhatura, kheer, kadhi and other dishes. By evening, roads around the pandal were packed with devotees joining the maha aarti before receiving prasad.
