LUCKNOW, May 6 -- Traditional Bada Mangal bandharas in Lucknow this year witnessed a shift in menu planning as organisers balanced rising commercial LPG cylinder prices, soaring summer temperatures and large footfall by opting for low- or no-cooking items, particularly beverages and simple foods, instead of conventional meals such as puri-sabzi.

At Parivartan Chowk in Hazratganj, organiser Vishal served freshly extracted sugarcane juice, drawing large crowds. "We initially planned to distribute puri-sabzi, but commercial cylinders have become too expensive. So we decided on something that doesn't require gas. With Lord Bajrangbali's blessings, the bandhara was completed successfully," he said. Vishal and his associate Manish Yadav arrang...