A City Known for Its Heritage Faces Questions About the Inclusivity of Its Festivities

Key Metrics:

1. Annual Footfall: Over 1 million attendees participated in Lucknow’s cultural events in 2024, including festivals like Lucknow Mahotsav and Awadh Carnival (Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department).
2. Economic Impact: Cultural events contributed ₹500 crore to the city’s economy in 2024, including hospitality, transport, and local handicrafts (Lucknow Municipal Corporation Report).
3. Representation: 80% of city-sponsored events focus on Awadhi culture, while only 15% highlight other regional and modern influences (Uttar Pradesh State Cultural Affairs Department).
4. Tourist Influx: Cultural tourism accounts for 25% of Lucknow’s annual 3 million domestic and international visitors (Ministry of Tourism).

Lucknow, 2025 – Celebrated for its Nawabi heritage, Lucknow has long been a beacon of art, music, and cuisine. Iconic events such as the Lucknow Mahotsav and Chikankari Handicrafts Expo attract visitors from across the globe. However, with the city’s cultural calendar predominantly centered on Awadhi traditions, questions arise about whether Lucknow’s events truly reflect its diverse populace. Are we fostering inclusivity in our celebrations, or are we limiting them to a narrow cultural lens?

The Allure of Awadhi Culture

Lucknow’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Nawabi past, celebrated through events that showcase classical music, Kathak performances, poetry (Mushaira), and traditional cuisine. Festivals like Lucknow Mahotsav not only preserve these traditions but also boost the local economy. According to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, the festival alone generated ₹200 crore in revenue in 2024.

Events such as the Awadh Carnival highlight the city’s Mughal-era legacy, with a focus on historical reenactments, craft displays, and culinary experiences. These events are pivotal in maintaining Lucknow’s status as a cultural hub.

Underrepresented Communities and Cultures

Despite its success in preserving Awadhi heritage, Lucknow’s cultural calendar has been criticized for underrepresenting other communities and modern influences. A study by the Uttar Pradesh State Cultural Affairs Department found that 80% of city-sponsored events focus exclusively on Awadhi traditions, while marginalized and contemporary cultures receive minimal attention.

1. Non-Awadhi Traditions: Communities such as Bhojpuri-speaking populations and tribals from nearby regions often find their art and music excluded from major events.
2. Modern Art and Youth Culture: With over 40% of Lucknow’s population under the age of 30, contemporary forms like street art, fusion music, and modern theater remain underrepresented in the city’s official events.
3. Minority Voices: Festivals showcasing the contributions of Lucknow’s Muslim artisans and poets, while present, often lack the same visibility and funding as larger Awadhi-centric celebrations.

Challenges to Inclusivity

Several barriers prevent Lucknow’s cultural events from becoming more inclusive:

1. Funding Disparities: According to the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, 70% of the cultural budget is allocated to established events like Lucknow Mahotsav, leaving limited resources for smaller or experimental initiatives.
2. Limited Awareness: A survey by the Lucknow University Cultural Studies Department revealed that 60% of residents are unaware of events that highlight modern or lesser-known traditions.
3. Commercialization: The growing emphasis on revenue generation has sidelined grassroots cultural movements, as noted by local artists and activists.

Voices from the Community

Local stakeholders express diverse views on Lucknow’s cultural landscape. “The Mahotsav is beautiful, but it’s the same every year. We need to see other forms of art and culture,” says Riya Sharma, a college student.

Meanwhile, artisans like Mohammed Iqbal, a Zardozi craftsperson, highlight financial challenges. “Our work represents Lucknow, but we rarely get prime slots or funding in big events.”

Event organizers defend their focus on tradition. “Awadhi culture is what defines Lucknow. While we support other forms, our priority is preserving our heritage,” says Rajiv Gupta, a senior official from the State Cultural Affairs Department.

Government and Institutional Efforts

Several initiatives aim to broaden Lucknow’s cultural offerings:

1. Cultural Inclusion Grants: ₹50 crore allocated in 2024 for promoting diverse art forms, including folk and modern traditions (Uttar Pradesh Cultural Affairs Department).
2. Youth-Centric Events: New festivals like the Lucknow Literature and Arts Festival are being introduced to engage younger audiences and showcase contemporary art.
3. Community Participation: Under the Smart City Mission, local cultural groups are invited to propose and manage neighborhood-level events.
4. Digital Outreach: Virtual tours and online ticketing for lesser-known events have been launched to increase visibility and accessibility.

Recommendations for Celebrating Diversity

To ensure Lucknow’s cultural events reflect its diverse identity, experts suggest:

1. Equitable Budget Allocation: Distribute funding more evenly across traditional, minority, and modern cultural initiatives.
2. Representation Quotas: Mandate that a certain percentage of events feature art forms from underrepresented communities.
3. Support for Emerging Artists: Offer grants and mentorship programs for youth and grassroots artists to participate in major festivals.
4. Collaborative Platforms: Encourage collaborations between traditional and modern artists to create innovative cultural experiences.
5. Public Feedback Mechanisms: Use surveys and citizen consultations to shape event planning and ensure inclusivity.

A Call for Balance

Lucknow’s cultural events hold immense potential to bridge its rich heritage with its evolving identity. While preserving Awadhi traditions is vital, fostering inclusivity by embracing diverse communities and modern influences will strengthen the city’s cultural narrative. The question remains: Can Lucknow transform its festivals into celebrations of all its people, or will exclusivity continue to define its cultural calendar?