Audience in splits at ‘Lantarani’, ‘Ghongha Basant’ kavi sammelans

LUCKNOW: ‘Lantarani’ and ‘Ghongha Basant’ kavi sammelans were organized at the Lohia Park open auditorium and Ravindralaya here to mark Fool’s Day on Thursday. The programmes were held with due regard to Covid protocol.

Poet Sarvesh Asthana, who organizes ‘Lantarani’ on April 1 at Lohia Park every year, said, “Our programme was cancelled last year due to the lockdown but this year we decided to go ahead, following Covid protocol strictly. That’s why our invitation read, “Without mask you will not look beautiful . Even God is afraid of kids less than 10 years so don’t bring them with you. And for those over 70 years of age, we need your blessings from home only .In return we will send you the video of the programme.”

Tej Narain ‘Bechain’ of Gwalior was given ‘Lantarani Award’ before the comic poetry session began. Many other awards were given to the dignitaries present on the stage. Some got garam masala (spices) and others chilli powder as prize. Noted poet Mukul Mahan conducted the event. Poet Tej Narain ‘Bechain’ had the audience in splits with his satire like ‘Suryodaya lane ka waada wo log kar rahe hai , jinke chunav chinha lalten hai ... (people whose poll symbol is lantern are assuring to usher in sunrise)’. Poets like Dr Anil Baujhad, Gajendra Priyanshu, Tarachand Tanha and Ashok Jhanjhati entertained the audience. Meanwhile, in Ghongha Basant Kavi Sammelan Ashok Besharm, Jamuna Prasad Upadhyaya, Kamlesh Dwivedi of Kanpur, Vikas Baukhal of Barabanki, Rajendra Pandit of Lucknow, Samir Shukla of Fatehpur, Amit Tomar of Kanpur and Shyam Kumar presented their comic poems. Poet Rajendra Pandit was given Bedhab Bannarsi Award.