The life of Rama, the protagonist of the Ramayana, is reenacted in a number of theatrical plays and dance acts called Ramlila. The Ramacharitmanas, a well-known tale genre composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century, serve as the basis for the performances. During the ten to thirty days of Navratri, Ramlila is performed, and the festivities come to a close on the evening of Vijayadashami (Dussehra).

Ramlila performances typically consist of discussion, song, storytelling, and recital. While audience participation in the narration and singing is welcomed, many Ramlilas have evolved into contemporary shows supported by special effects and technology as times have changed. ‘Aishbagh Ramlila’ is the oldest Ramlila in Lucknow.

It is thought to have started nearly 500 years ago (or so the organizers say), and Nawab Asif-ud-Daula later donated land for its continuous performance after moving his capital from Faizabad (Ayodhya) to Lucknow in 1775.

A combination of Kamban Ramayan, Valmiki Ramayan, and Ramcharitmanas is frequently performed in Lucknow. The script is supported by technological breakthroughs. The show started on a stage in 2007; before that, it was performed on the ground with a few props at eye level with the audience. The show’s portrayal and atmosphere have completely changed, and it is now supported by animation and images displayed on an LED screen.

Back then, they employed certain props, such as a throne for Lord Ram, but after 2007, they devised a temporary setup. As part of the play, simple lighting and recorded dialogue were employed. scenes like Lord Hanuman delivering “Sanjivni Booti,” who was seen carrying medications for Laxman on a trolley that was fastened to a rope,

The progress is so great that several sequences, such as the one in which Lord Hanuman is seen soaring with the mountain or Ravana on his Pushpak Viman (plane) during the capture of Sita, have been animated.

In contrast to other Ramlilals in India who are adhering to their traditions, Aishbagh Ramlila of Lucknow is not afraid to use artificial intelligence, which is sweeping the globe. In fact, Ramnagar Ramlila of Varanasi is the most traditionally performed play without the use of speakers, microphones, or contemporary lighting.

The characters are moved from one place to another in a human chariot pulled by devotees, while the organizers are seen traveling with candles and torches. Niyamis, the person who frequently visits the Leela, has a very unique personality. A Ram Charit Manas, a seating arrangement, and a light source are all carried by Niyamis. Together with the Leela, they continue to read the Manas. Niyamis take Itra with them and use it to extort other people.

It is admirable that the ancient Ramlila tradition endures in the era of contemporary entertainment and storytelling via social media, OTT, and other platforms because of the devoted audience who attend the performances year after year. Although the ancient Ramlila tradition in Ramnagar (Varanasi) has been added to UNNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, Aishbagh Ramlila may have become more contemporary. However, by giving it a contemporary look, it has inspired young people and children of the modern era to connect with it and continue the Ramlila tradition.

Lucknow today may have luxurious shopping complexes and grand malls, but the age-old weekly bazaars of Nakhas and Aminabad, rooted in the Nawabi era, and the annual Katki (Budhakki) Mela continue to stand proudly amidst the glamour and convenience of modern plazas. The rich tradition and culture of Lucknow, known for its ‘tehzeeb’, architectural marvels, ‘itra’, poetry, and  ‘chikankari’, are also embodied in the traditional bazaars such as Nakhas, a bustling hub of mixed culture and heritage, and Katki Mela, which has long been fostering communal harmony by showcasing the Ganga-Jamuni ‘tehzeeb’ of Awadh.

Nakhas market is possibly the city’s oldest market, with its roots in the Nawabi era. The market’s richness stems from various cultural influences. It provides people with the experience of bargaining and serves as a bridge between different socioeconomic classes, preserving our culture successfully through its weekly market tradition. The weekly bazaars in the city are all well-known. However, the notable ones are the Thursday and Sunday markets in Aminabad and Nakhas. Nakhas is renowned worldwide. During the 1975 Emergency, the market operated in a narrow lane. When the demolition was ordered for road-widening, the BBC covered it, stating that “the famous market of Asia is being demolished.”

The history of weekly markets

The origin of the weekly markets In India and the ‘melas’ (fairs) have always been a significant tradition. In the absence of large shopping complexes, malls, and online platforms, rural residents eagerly anticipated their favorite ‘mela’ once a year to purchase essential household goods. These fairs encompassed commercial, religious, and cultural activities. As urban areas developed, these weekly markets emerged as an upgraded version of ‘melas’ to meet the needs of a larger population

Referred to as ‘Saptahik Bazaar’ or ‘Hafta Bazaar’, these weekly markets are identified by the day of the week they take place and play a significant role in bolstering the state’s economy. The consistent feature across all the weekly markets is the affordability, offering lower prices compared to large malls and shopping complexes. Bargain hunters can often find excellent deals by haggling. Itinerant vendors from Parade Ground in Kanpur, Varanasi, Moradabad, and other districts come to the city to vend their goods at fairs and weekly markets, forming the cornerstone of this vibrant tradition. Here is a comprehensive guide to the prominent weekly bazaars & fairs of Lucknow:

Sunday Bazaar inThe Nakhas

Presumably the oldest market in the city, this one is thought to be around 200 years old. The Sunday market is a shoppers’ paradise for “zardozi” works, antique treasures, vintage goods, upholstery, woodwork things, and counterfeit jewelry. It is divided into subcategories including Nakhas bazaar, bird market, and vegetable market.

At three in the morning, when most of Lucknow is still asleep, this bazaar opens for business. In less than 60 minutes, over 1,200 temporary stores are operational, offering a wide range of products including new bicycles, upholstery, and fabrics in addition to used items, electrical parts, and nearly every everyday item. Nakhas is a gourmet’s paradise for delicious street-cart paan and lassi in addition to delicious kababs and biryani.

The Buddha Bazaar – Wednesday shopping avenue

This bazaar at Gole market, one of the most popular weekly markets, has something to offer everyone. Kitchen knives, doormats, roller pins, toys, woolens, toiletries, bedsheets, bangles, lipsticks, face creams, razors, stationery, artificial flowers, and so on.

However, few people are aware that Buddh Bazaar is where leading boutique labels and designers get their textiles. You can find gorgeous Banarasi saris together with lovely chiffons, embroidered net, georgette, and silk materials in just one lane. You will see luxury cars stopping over at Buddh market at midday in quest of beautiful materials.

Thursday Market (Guruvar Bazaar)

It is one of the busiest and oldest locations, and it gives a true image of the city’s historic retail culture. Aminabad, which is thought to have been founded in the late 1700s, draws customers with its wide selection of reasonably priced merchandise. Even just navigating the Old City Market’s winding passageways is enjoyable.

This market is similar to Chandni Chowk in Delhi in that it sells high-quality “chikan” embroidered work, fashionable textiles, spices, pickles, “papad,” dry snacks, books, fake jewellery, toys, shoes, hosiery, and wedding decorations. Aminabad, like Nakhas, is well-known for their vendors selling delicious “Lakhnawi” food. Aminabad, according to some historians, is built on property that was formerly owned by Rani Jai Kunwar Pandey. She was very close to the Begum’s (wife’s) Khadija Khanam.

Tuesday Market (Mangal Bazaar)

This market, which is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is next to Phoenix United Mall, is well-known for its summer and winter clothing selection in addition to its vibrant bangles, stylish shoes, stylish apparel, sling bags, wallets, and decorative goods. This market is also a great place to get coats for around Rs 100, which is fairly popular among students.

Katki Mela

One of Lucknow’s most anticipated fairs, the Budhakki Mela, is held at Jhulelal Park close to Nadwa and is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim cooperation. The mela lasts for around two months, beginning in the month of Kartik. Hundreds of people visit the mela every day in search of goods priced between Rs 5 and Rs 1,000. Shopkeepers asserted that Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was the one who initiated this mela. Retailers from around Uttar Pradesh, including Moradabad, Saharanpur, Aligarh, and Khurja, gather here to provide their merchandise at reasonable costs. The mela is well-known for its varied selections of tableware, mugs, pickle jars, and silverware in sophisticated patterns that go well with a variety of dining environments. The pricing range begins at just Rs 10. In addition, the mela has an exclusive selection of lamps, flowerpots, figurines, earrings, and wooden frames similar to those seen in shopping centers. Their extreme affordability in these markets makes a difference.

You will also discover traditional “sil batta,” “stone grinder,” and “imam dasta” here, which are not available in many houses these days. In addition to cuisine products like “halwa paratha,” “kulhad chai,” “chaat,” and candy floss, main attractions include a variety of recreational vendors, swings, and magic performances.

Kursi Road bazaar on Sundays

Farmers from Kursi village, Barabanki, and Sitapur have a platform to sell their produce, such as rice and pulses, directly to customers at a reduced price every week thanks to this market.

Mela Bhaironji

Around Holi, this mela in Golaganj, which is held close to Pt. Birju Maharaj’s ancestral home, is much sought-after by ladies for its distinctive selection of saris, bangles, and kitchenware.