The city of Lucknow witnessed a spectacular celebration of music and culture over the weekend, as a two-day festival at Janeshwar Mishra Park attracted massive crowds. Despite the intense winter chill, enthusiastic locals turned out in large numbers to enjoy performances by renowned artists and explore a vibrant marketplace.
A Musical Journey from Jazz to Romantic Hits
The festival kicked off on a high note on Saturday with energetic performances by bands 'Last Cigarette Theory' and 'Nacheez'. They set the mood with their renditions of jazz and retro Hindi film numbers, warming up the audience for the acts to follow. The energy levels surged significantly with the powerful performance of singer Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, who was performing in Lucknow for the very first time. She won the hearts of the audience by singing a selection of popular romantic film songs.
Rabbi Shergill's Electrifying Performance and a Promise
The evening was set ablaze by the soulful and powerful voice of Rabbi Shergill. The audience grooved to his iconic hits including 'Ranjheya', 'Jugni', 'Kitni der tak', and 'Chhalla'. He concluded his memorable set with his most popular track, 'Tere Bin'. Highly appreciative of the energetic crowd, Rabbi ended his show with a special promise to his Lucknow fans – to create a song dedicated to the city itself.
More Than Just Music: A Complete Cultural Experience
Beyond the stellar musical lineup, the festival offered a holistic experience. Attendees browsed through various stalls selling accessories, jewellery, handicrafts, crockery, and perfumes. The food section was a major hit, with visitors like Mehul Rastogi and his friends relishing pizza and kebab paratha. "From music to food and bazaar, everything is terrific here," Rastogi remarked.
A dedicated kids' zone was a thoughtful addition, allowing parents to enjoy the festival freely. "The energy and the vibe of the festival is top notch and the best thing is there is a kids zone where I have left my kids to play while I'm enjoying the festival," said visitor Rujuta Kalra. Children enjoyed swings and play areas, while volunteers dressed as cartoon characters mingled with the crowd, shaking hands and spreading cheer.
The successful first day of the festival proved that Lucknow's spirit for art and community gatherings remains undeterred by the cold, marking another vibrant chapter in the city's cultural calendar.
