Vidushi Gaur/Lucknow

As Lucknow embraces the spirit of Eid, it is not just the Muslim community that comes together for prayers and celebrations, Hindus across the city are also ready to join their Muslim friends and neighbours in marking the festival with warmth and camaraderie.

The lanes of Chowk, Aminabad, and Hazratganj have come alive with the aroma of freshly cooked sheer khurma, kebabs, and biryani. More than the food, however, it is the exchange of love, shared traditions, and bonds of friendship that stands out, reminding the city of its inclusive soul.

At Chowk, one of Lucknow’s oldest neighbourhoods, the festive spirit is palpable. The bylanes, adorned with twinkling lights and festoons, echo with laughter and the clatter of cooking utensils. Among the many visitors at the home of 62-year-old Naseem Ahmed is his childhood friend, Vinod Mishra, who has been a regular guest at his Eid celebrations for over four decades.