‘Shahi kitchen’ decorated in small Imambara in Lucknow, 200 year old tradition still persists

Lucknow: A unique tradition of Nawabi city of Lucknow has once again come alive. The historical ‘royal kitchen’ decorated in small Imambara. This grand kitchen, which runs in the first nine days of Moharram every year, is not only a symbol of the Nawabi Tehzeeb of the city, but also presents an example of service, partnership and humanity.

The 200 -year -old tradition was started by Mohammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh. In 1832, the foundation of this ‘royal kitchen’ was laid with the construction of small Imambara. Since then, this kitchen has been continuously working to feed the needy for nine days of Moharram.

This time the contract for this royal kitchen under Hussainabad Trust has been given for Rs 65 lakh. In -charge Murtaza Hussain says that this work is not a job, but a prayer. Every night, rotis and 7 quintal dal-vegetables are made in the kitchen. They are distributed in different areas of the city from 9 am to 11 am.

The special thing about the royal kitchen is that even today a completely pure vegetarian food is prepared here. In the Nawabi era, this kitchen itself used to run under the supervision of the Nawab. Even today, Tabarruk, covered in red clothes, is transported with great adverse in the royal houses. On the seventh Moharram, nuts and fruits are also distributed among the poor.