Traditional Bada Mangal bandharas in Lucknow this year witnessed a shift in menu planning as organisers balanced rising commercial LPG cylinder prices, soaring summer temperatures and large footfall by opting for low- or no-cooking items, particularly beverages and simple foods, instead of conventional meals such as puri-sabzi. People distribute sugarcane juice at a bhandara on the occasion of Bada Mangal in Lucknow on Tuesday. (Mushtaq Ali/HT) At Parivartan Chowk in Hazratganj, organiser Vishal served freshly extracted sugarcane juice, drawing large crowds. “We initially planned to distribute puri-sabzi, but commercial cylinders have become too expensive. So we decided on something that doesn’t require gas. With Lord Bajrangbali’s blessings, the bandhara was completed successfully,” he said. Vishal and his associate Manish Yadav arranged nearly 4 quintals of sugarcane and 1 quintal of ice for the event. Nearby, another group distributed mango shake, which also drew heavy footfall amid the heat, showing how both weather and rising costs are influencing traditional offerings. Despite these changes, several organisers retained conventional menus. At the UP Press Club in Kaiserbagh, a …