Just a month ago, Lucknow Mahotsav which is an iconic 10-day celebration of culture, arts and more, was put on hold until further notice due to the alarming rise of the coronavirus but now it stands cancelled. The authorities have postponed this event for the second year in a row. Last year, the Mahotsav was not conducted in view of the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya and it was then pushed to January 2020 but was then called off due to the upcoming Defence Expo event being held in February.

A formal statement to this effect is yet to be issued

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Initiated in 1975, Lucknow Mahotsav holds nostalgic value for its attendees but its cancellation has left several businesses and citizens feeling hollow but the verdict is imperative, given the current situation. The cultural event has been put off 'indefinitely' due to the pandemic, according to official sources.

Though a formal statement to this effect has not yet been issued, a senior district official confirmed that the event would not be held since it attracts huge crowds and maintaining safety protocols in the pandemic would be difficult. The official was quoted saying, "As it is, there are apprehensions of a second wave of COVID and the state government is preparing to counter it." He further added, "Holding the Mahotsav in such circumstances would an invitation to disaster."

As per the cultural calendar, Lucknow Mahotsav begins on November 25 and concludes on December 5 every year. The prime attraction of the Lucknow Mahotsav, over the years, has been the performance of renowned artists throughout the duration of the fest. Several Bollywood stars have added glamour and glitter to the event with their presence and the stage here has been a platform for several upcoming entertainers. However, this decision was much-needed and hopefully, next year it'll be a different story.