Soon after announcing a plan to install a 100-metre statue of Lord Ram on River Saryu in Ayodhya, UP government proposed that the theme for the state capital’s annual fest –‘Lucknow Mahotsav 2017’ – would be based on Lakshman.
According to one legend, the city is named after Lakshman.
“This year’s theme of Lucknow Mahotsav should be based on Lakshman,” said Kaushal Raj Sharma, district magistrate during a meeting on Monday evening.
The district administration has sought people’s suggestions over the proposal. Sharma said the one who coins the best one-liner would be felicitated by the district administration and also be given a letter of appreciation.
The government’s proposal was in stark contrast to the Mahotsav themes in previous years. In 2016, the theme of the annual fest was ‘Virasat and Vikas, Badalta Shitij’ that portrayed the city’s rich culture and heritage. Similarly in 2015, the theme of the event was ‘Badalta Lucknow Sawarta Lucknow’.
However, the government’s proposal raised a few eyebrows. “There is no need to give religious colour to the annual fest that is more about culture, heritage and Awadhi cuisine,” said a citizen.
“Instead of courting a fresh controversy, the government should have explored other issues like illiteracy, women empowerment and safety that could have served the purpose well,” said S Mohammad Haider, a city-based heritage enthusiast.
{{/usCountry}}“Instead of courting a fresh controversy, the government should have explored other issues like illiteracy, women empowerment and safety that could have served the purpose well,” said S Mohammad Haider, a city-based heritage enthusiast.
{{/usCountry}}However, a few historians supported the proposal, saying Lucknow was named after Lord Lakshman. “The city was named as Lakshmanpura. Till the 11th century it was known as Lakhanpur/Lakshmanpur and later it was named as Lakhnau that is known as Lucknow today,” said Yogesh Praveen, a city-based historian.