No matter how far I go, my heart keeps pulling me back to where home is...
And my home is LUCKNOW.
' The City of Nawabs', 'The Golden City of East', 'Shiraj-e-Hind', 'The Constantinople of India'...some of many loving names given my poets, artists, and travelers, charmed by its grace, elegance, and cultural richness.
Located in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is a vibrant modern city, with an equally rich and interesting history. Having a very prominent role in the mutiny of 1857, the city has witnessed, the grandeur, the glory of Nawabs and the battle valor during the first war of independence against the British. La Martiniere College, my Alma and a premiere educational institution, still remains the only school in the world to receive battle honor for its role in protection of the city during the 1857 revolt. Other beautiful sites which still remind us of Lucknow's contribution to freedom struggle are Saheed Smarak (in honor of war heroes of first war of independence) and Residency (originally built for British Residence is a reminder of numerous sieges during the mutiny.
Lucknow in Stamps
The city is seeing a shift in dressing from typical traditional muslim clothing like, sharara and salwar kameez to western wear, but what has not changed is its age long legacy of 'CHIKANKARI'. Chikan kari or chikan worn is a intricate and extremely delicate embroidery which which has found a place in the wardrobes of celebrities like Hillary Clinton and Aishwarya Rai. Traditionally a white-on-white embroidery, the art is now adapting to modern demands with the the needle work and fabric now available in many colors and styles.
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| Typical Chikan embroidery |
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| Courtsey: www.dsource.in |
Lucknow is also known for its exquisite cuisine. The 'Dasterkhwan' or the gourmet delights of the city include the delicious 'kebabs', sizzling 'biryanis' and mouth watering 'kulchhas'. With eateries dotting the map of the city, it is truly a heaven for any food lover. As you roam through the serpentine lanes and bylanes of the old city, you discover the true meaning of hospitality, grace and charm. It is a city whose favourite pastime is 'Kan-kawabazi' (kite-flying competition) and 'Mushairas' (poetic symposiums). It is a city where you can appreciate the architectural genius of both Mughals and British. Some notable must visits of the city include, 'Bada Imambara', 'Chhatar Manzil', 'Dilkusha garden', 'Rumi Darwaza', 'Chhota Imambara', 'Asafi mosque' and 'Baradari' to name a few. The 'Love Lane' of Hazratganj, which was once a meeting point of lovey-dovey couples is a now a site for cheap street fashion. clothes in all colors and styles are available here at a very reasonable price and is therefore preferred by the college youth.
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| The Begum of Awadh flying kite |
Lucknow is also the 'Biotech Hub' of India with major CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial research, Govt. of India) laboratories and research institutions running in its limits. Due to its unique blend of modern and traditional culture, it is a major attraction for most national and international companies who are queuing up to win the hearts of the Lucknawi 'junta' (masses).
For a taste of its many flavors, one can also participate in the 10 day 'Lucknow Mahotsav' or Lucknow Festival, which is truly a grand experience. Look up http://www.lucknowmahotsava.com/#1 to plan a visit in November.
I am sure, once you visit, you will never want to go back.
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