Lucknow Mahotsav from Nov 25

Stage has been set for city’s most celebrated annual fest—Lucknow Mahotsav as the outgoing divisional commissioner on Thursday finalised November 25 as its date of commencement. The commissioner also attended a detailed meeting to review the ongoing preparations of the Mahotsav.

“City’s much awaited fest will start from November 25 and will conclude on December 5,” said Anoop Chandra Pandey, the outgoing divisional commissioner. Last year, the mahotsav that generally starts from November 25 got delayed after its dates coincided with those of panchayat elections.

In the hour long meeting, attended by the commissioner along with other members of Mahotsav Samiti, it was decided that no hike in the ticket fare would be made this year. “Cost of ticket would be Rs 10, same as that of last year,” said Pandey.

The officers also discussed other facilities, most of which are similar to those of last year. Apart from free wi-fi in the mahotsav premises, there would be grand auto expos and housing expos as additional attraction. Similar to last year, the samiti would be establishing a bicycle stand on the premises that will be equipped with as many as 50 bicycles. A visitor can hire a bicycle on demand, free of cost, just by depositing the ID card and can enjoy the fair.

The samiti is also going to install points for selfie clickers. It has also assured that efforts would be made to line up the artists for various entertainment programmes during the mahotsav.

The mahotsav is likely to witness exhibitions of around 350 commercial stalls, 450 handicraft stalls, 65 pavilions, 20 kiosks and 45 food stalls. The theme of mahotsav is yet to be decided.