Lucknow

livinhimalayas · Jul 9th, 2009, 09:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by delhiwala

I recently came across a nice article about Lucknow
http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=127029

And on the sunday just goneby, Indian Express carried an article about the elephantine dreams of the Current CM of UP.

Great article Delhiwala, thanks for posting it. The tred was evident even as I was growing up and now when I look at my nieces, the contrast between then and now is stunning. But then no place has been left untouched by the corporatisation and brand marketing.

makattack · Jul 15th, 2009, 12:48

The article made me wonder a little - before these malls and coffee bars appeared, where did folks go to hang out?

Or, better yet, for the "average" Lucknowite who can't afford to go to these posh places and pay Rs. 100 for coffee, how do they spend their time? (One can only play cricket in 40-degree weather for so long....)

Alas, my ignorance reveals itself once again...

livinhimalayas · Jul 16th, 2009, 09:27

Well before the malls there was always Hazratganj and Ganjing was the favourite passtime of the Lucknowites. Coffee was at Vaish or Jabbar or Rover's or Ranjan's. Burgers also at Rover's/Jabbar's/Ranjan's. Favourtie meeting places, Royal Cafe/ Ranjana and if it had to be outdoors then one of the many parks.
The mall culture has destroyed the fun of hanging out at these places! Sigh nostalgia!!

Antje · Jul 22nd, 2009, 14:31

Hello there,

we are planning our first trip to Lucknow soon and are looking forward to what looks like great architecture. Now, I keep reading that non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Imambara buildings. Does anyone know whether this restriction still apllies?

Thank you!

livinhimalayas · Jul 22nd, 2009, 14:43

When did they start thsi practice? I have not heard of it and even during my last visit a year ago I went there and had no trouble entering the Imambara. Anyway, since you mention it I will call up my sister and ask her if that is true.

Antje · Jul 22nd, 2009, 14:50

It might just not be true what I read on various websites. That's why I wanted to check with people who had actually been there.

mridula · Jul 22nd, 2009, 15:09

I am a non-muslim and I was inside the Imambara in March 2009.

makattack · Jul 23rd, 2009, 00:43

From what I understand, non-Muslims can visit the Imambaras, but they just can't enter the mosque that's in the complex.

livinhimalayas · Jul 23rd, 2009, 01:06

Well checked and found that there is no restriction. So you cna go ahead and plan your tour of the city without fear.
Would be silly not to let non muslims enter the Imambara when there are so many people who visit it every year!

CherryCola · Jul 24th, 2009, 18:30

Hey, I've been living in Lucknow for the summer and I've really been enjoying it. The first thing I would say is that Tunday is decent and conveniently inexpensive, but it's definitely not the best food you'll get in Lucknow. Definitely check out Dastarkhwan which is near Tulsi, just past Hazratganj. Incredible tandoori chicken and kabobs. It's a bit more expensive, but well worth it.

I'm actually keeping a blog right now about my experience in Lucknow, so ignoring some of the rambling you might get an idea of what the city is like.
http://yatrahindustan.wordpress.com

You can also read back to my first trip to India about a year and a half ago, where I was mostly in Maharashtra and in Delhi for a bit.

Enlightened Soul · Jul 25th, 2009, 14:47

Nice blog CherryCola....heartening to see someone enjoying simple joys of my city. While you are in Lucknow, I would suggest that you visit Deva Sharif on Friday, they have soulful quawwali's. Also, try the Bhaang (cannabis) thandai in chowk.

livinhimalayas · Jul 25th, 2009, 21:16

Wow a lot of people from Lucknow here now

So Enlighted Soul Hi from one Ex Lucknowite to another - what part of the city do you come from?
Cherry Cola, good blogs but the real Tundey Mian is not in Aminabad but in Chowk Bazaar. The Aminabad kababs are ok but no comparison to the real thing. When I was a meat eater (a rather brief period of my life) I never much liked the aminabad version.
Anyway keep up the good work with the blogs I will be reading them for sure

Antje · Jul 26th, 2009, 11:20

Thanks to everyone who helped clear up my imamrara question. I am very much looking forward to going!

Enlightened Soul · Jul 27th, 2009, 09:28

Hi livinhimalayas, I was born & bought up in Lucknow...lived in Aliganj for better part of life...parents still live there (sad what sacrifices career makes you do)....CA by profession and presently in gurgaon working as CfO for Indian arm of a US company.What 'bout you??

steadyfriend · Aug 6th, 2009, 16:14

Lucknow dil hai, baqi nil hi nil hai !

Though born in east Africa, I spent some 10 years of my childhood at Lucknow and this has left an indelible mark on me. I attended St. Francis' School (it wasn't a college then). Since then, I have lived in London for many, many years, yet keep going back to Lucknow regularly. Despite the heat and dust, I simply love the city, where we have a family house to this day. I was there most recently for 6 weeks in May & June, 2009 and hope to be back again in the winter. Would love to meet up with Indiamikers who are also Lucknowites whilst I'm there.