When the incomparable poet, Meer, came to Lucknow from Delhi, he witnessed the then Nawab, Asaf-ud-Daula, celebrating the festival of colours with such fervour that he wrote an entire masnavi on his Holi celebrations: ‘Holi khelein Asifuddhaulah wazir rang saubat se ajab hain khurdopeer kumkume jo maarte bharkar gulaal jiske lagta aankar phir mehadilaal’. The festival of colours was a favourite of the Nawabs as well as the commoners. Even today, the joy, the enthusiasm, and the energy with which different religious faiths in the city celebrate Holi is one of the reasons why Lucknow has long been famous for its communal harmony. In the heart of the old city, Chowk, a famous Holi-baaraat (procession) is arranged every year for and by all the community members of the society. This procession, which began in 1947, is a symbol of the city’s shared culture of festivities. Moreover, this part of old Lucknow is also considered as the main focal point for all food lovers. Lucknow, as the gastronomical capital of India, has a range of amazing food items to offer. It is interesting to witness the Nawabi heritage in the form of its exquisite food. The Awadhi cuisine is a refinement of Mughlai culinary traditions that is characterised by complex techniques and depth of flavour. From the melt-in-your-mouth kababs to the most famous biryani, from the trademark Lucknowi chaats to the refreshing thandai, there is a lot that Old Lucknow’s Chowk area has to offer. So, come and experience the colours and vibe of Chowk this Holi and delve into the typical Awadhi street food that is completely unmatched.
This guided tour is free.
