Jain Chaat Bhandar is an iconic vegetarian chaat spot in Lalbagh, Lucknow known for its timeless street- food flavours and crowd-pulling evening vibe. The shop was begun around the mid- 1980s when Santosh Kumar Jain moved from Tikait Nagar (Barabanki) to set up a small chaat stall near the main Lalbagh crossroads — the exact date isn’t documented publicly, but local food history credits its start to roughly 35 years ago His idea was simple: prove that great chaat could be made without onions, garlic, or ginger to respect Jain dietary rules, and still be crave-worthy. Today it’s run by his sons Sanjeev Jain and Raju Jain, who’ve kept dad’s flavour philosophy alive while serving new generations of chaat lovers. The menu here is classic North Indian chaat, served with zest and flair: plate-fulls of papdi chaat, aloo tikki chaat, matar chaat, dahi badas,gol gappe (pani puri ) and other tangy favourites. Everything strikes that perfect balance of sweet chutney, zesty spices, and crisp textures, making evenings in Lalbagh a delightfully messy, delicious affair. The vibe is unpretentious and friendly, with regulars gathering from about 5 PM to 9 PM to grab their favourite chaat after work or while exploring the city’s street- food scene.

UP is quietly scripting a solar success story, turning rooftops and open lands into power hubs.With over 3.57 lakh roof top systems and 1,227 MW capacity, the State now ranks among India’s top solar producers.Schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana have made clean energy affordable, backed by ₹3,000+ crore in subsidies. Under CM Yogi Adityanath, solar energy has become a symbol of progress, jobs, and a greener future. As India races toward a cleaner and more sustainable future, solar energy has moved from being an option to a necessity. In this transition, Uttar Pradesh—once seen as an energy-hungry state—has begun to rewrite its power story. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, solar energy has emerged as a key driver of change, blending technology, policy, and public participation. From rooftops in small towns to large solar parks in sun-rich regions, the state is quietly building a renewable energy revolution—one panel at a time. In recent years, Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable progress in solar energy. The state has installed around 3.57 lakh rooftop solar systems, achieving a total solar capacity of about 1,227 megawatts (MW). This has placed Uttar Pradesh among the top three solar-energy- producing states in India. Rooftop solar systems have helped households reduce electricity bills by 60–90 percent, making clean energy both affordable and practical. A major boost came from the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which Uttar Pradesh received over 10.94 lakh applications. To support this massive response, the central government provided ₹2,440 crore in subsidies, while the state government added nearly ₹600 crore, ensuring wider access to solar installations for middle- and lower-income families. The government has also promoted solar energy in public infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, government offices, and local bodies have adopted rooftop solar systems, reducing power costs and setting an example for citizens. Farmers have benefited through solar-powered irrigation pumps, cutting fuel expenses and improving energy reliability in rural areas. By simplifying policies and encouraging private investment, Yogi Adityanath’s government has also created jobs in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing. Overall, Uttar Pradesh’s solar journey reflects a clear vision—clean energy, economic growth, and a sustainable future working together.

Lucknow is officially turning up the spritual volume. Bhajan Clubbing where traditional devotional chants collide with modern beats, is taking the city by storm, and Gen Z is here for it. Forget quiet satsangs—this is bass you can feel, chants you can sing along to, and vibes you can’t resist. So what exactly is bhajan clubbing? Think traditional bhajans and kirtans infused with modern music—EDM, chillstep, soft bass, and even trance-like drops. It’s a space where people chant together, sway, clap, and vibe to devotional lyrics without the confines of a temple. It’s meditation and music, community and creativity, all rolled into one unforgettable night. One of Lucknow’s trendsetting events was Bhakti Beats by RJ Prateek at Karwaan Studio on 31 December 2025, where chants like Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari and and Jai Shri Ram were remixed with electronic layers, drawing young devotees who danced and meditated at the same time. The city’s largest gathering came at “Bhajan Jamming: Ekatva” at SR Group of Institutions, Bakshi ka Talab, where over 5,000 students and devotees jammed together, clapping, chanting, and soaking in he collective energy. From cafés to open lawns, Lucknow is buzzing with nights where phones are down, reels are rolling, and traditional bhajans meet bass-driven beats, creating a vibe that’s uniquely Lucknowi. From Karwaan Studio to SR Group of Institutions, it is clear: bhajans aren’t fading—they’re being reimagined by the city’s youth, turning spiritual nights into immersive, unforgettable experiences. Bhajan clubbing, which blends traditional devotional music with modern beats, was popularised by young artists like Prachi and Raghav Agarwal of the band Backstage Siblings, whose energetic baithak” performances of chants like Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari gave the trend its initial Gen Z push. Other groups, such as the devotional rock band Keshavam, have further modernised bhajans with amplified, contemporary arrangements. While Lucknow has become a hotspot with events like Bhakti Beats and Bhajan Jamming: Ekatva, the phenomenon has spread to other major Indian cities. Delhi and Ahmedabad now host youth-oriented bhajan nights in cafes and cultural spaces, Mumbai sees regular “bhajan jamming” sessions near temples, and Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai have emerging communities blending collective chanting with electronic or acoustic beats. Organisers focus on creating sober, and trance-like experiences, appealing to young audiences who want spiritual connection without the constraints of traditional temple settings or nightclub culture. This cross-country spread shows bhajan clubbing has evolved from a niche experiment into a full-fledged cultural movement among India’s youth.

Lucknow is quietly rewriting its identity—and this time, it’s not just about Kebabs, Chikankari, or Nawabi Tehzeeb. The city of grace is stepping into the future with a bold new title in sight: India’s first AI City—and there is actual data and plans behind the dream.At the heart of this transformation is a massive ₹10,732 crore investment earmarked to build out Lucknow’s AI infrastructure, including over 10,000 high-performance GPUs, multi-modal language models, and a dedicated AI innovation centre, setting it apart from other tech hubs in the country. This investment is reported to be 67 %higher than any other technology infrastructure project in India, positioning Lucknow as a serious national AI hub.The blueprint spans 20+ acres of Phase-I development within a larger ~258 acre AI City zone in the Vrindavan Yojana IT City area. Plans include tech parks, research labs, incubation centres, flexible AI workspaces, and integrated residential and commercial zones to support a true work-live ecosystem.But it’s not just hardware and buildings. The AI Pragya initiative aims to train over 10 lakh people—from students and teachers to government workers and farmers—in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity, in partnership with global tech players like Microsoft, Google, Intel, and Guvi. Imagine a workforce not just using AI, but building it.This isn’t futuristic buzz alone. AI systems are already getting integrated into governance, from advanced traffic management proposals to AI-enhanced surveillance and smart public services. And with institutions like IIT Lucknow and IIM Lucknow feeding the talent pipeline, the city’s academic backbone is strong.If all goes as planned, the city of nawabs may soon be known as the city of neural networks too—and honestly, it suits Lucknow. And maybe that’s the most futuristic part of it all.

Arijit Singh has officially confirmed the news through his recent Instagram post, putting an end to all speculation. In a heartfelt message, the singer announced that he will not be taking up any new Bollywood playback singing assignments going forward. However, he made it clear that this is not a retirement from music. Arijit shared that his journey in playback singing has been beautiful and fulfilling, but he now wants to slow down, explore music on his own terms, and focus on independent projects and personal growth. He also mentioned that he will honour all existing commitments, which means fans may still hear his voice in upcoming film releases recorded earlier.Over the years, Arijit has often spoken about creative fatigue, the pressure of expectations, and his desire for a quieter life away from the constant hustle of the film industry. His growing absence from award shows, Bollywood events, and social gatherings had already hinted at this shift. So while Bollywood may no longer hear his voice as frequently, Arijit Singh isn’t disappearing he’s simply choosing a more mindful, independent musical path, proving once again that for him, art has always mattered more than applause.Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from Bollywood playback singing triggered an emotional wave across the music industry, with some of the biggest names reacting publicly on social media. Rapper and singer Badshah summed up the collective sentiment by calling Arijit “sadiyon mein ek” (one in a century), highlighting the rare impact he has had on Indian music. From the bylanes of Murshidabad, West Bengal, to ruling every heartbreak playlist in the country, Arijit Singh’s rise feels nothing short of cinematic. By the age of three, Arijit was training in tabla and Indian classical music.Fame Gurukul in 2005 marked his first brush with the spotlight, where he emerged as one of the top six finalists. Bollywood took note, but success didn’t arrive overnight. The real turning point came with Phir Mohabbat from Murder 2, followed by the era-defining soundtrack of Aashiqui 2, which transformed Arijit into a household name and the undisputed king of playback romance. Soon, his voice became inseparable from Bollywood’s biggest superstars—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kartik Aaryan and more—earning him national adoration and prestigious honours, including multiple National Awards and the Padma Shri, cementing his legacy in Indian music history. One chapter closes, another begins—but Arijit Singh has already written himself into musical immortality. Shreya Ghoshal, one of his most respected contemporaries, responded with warmth and encouragement, expressing deep admiration and urging him to continue exploring music beyond conventional boundaries, stating that an artist of his calibre should never feel boxed in. Veteran singer Udit Narayan offered a graceful and mature response, praising Arijit’s timeless legacy and reminding fans that stepping back is a personal choice, especially after giving so much to the industry. Together, their reactions reflected not shock or criticism, but respect, gratitude, and an understanding that Arijit Singh’s voice may step away from films, but his influence on Indian music will remain everlasting. Arjit Singhs Top Hit Songs! Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2)Kesariya (Brahmastra)Agar Tum Saath Ho (Tamasha)Channa Mereya (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga (Half Girlfriend)Hawayein (Jab Harry Met Sejal )Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage (Kabir Singh)Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Title Track)Sanam Re (Sanam Re)

Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched focused riverside development initiatives. The aim has been to improve public spaces, walking paths, and green areas while maintaining the river’s natural flow. Key stretches, including Akbarnagar and central riverfront zones, have been cleared, organised, and developed for citizens’ use. These projects reflect a structured approach to making the riverfront safer, cleaner, and more accessible for the people of Lucknow. Under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, riverside development along the Gomti River in Lucknow has seen focused and structured implementation. The government has prioritised organised public spaces, pedestrian infrastructure, and administrative control to improve the usability of the riverbanks.Several stretches of the Gomti riverfront have been developed with walking tracks, landscaped green areas, seating spaces, lighting systems, and improved access points.These facilities have converted previously neglected riverbank zones into usable public spaces for daily activities such as walking and recreation. Pedestrian-only infrastructure, including footpaths and bridges, has strengthened connectivity between both sides of the river while keeping vehicular pressure away from the river edge.A major addition to the riverfront is the 180-metre-long pedestrian bridge, approved at a cost of ₹54 crore, designed to enhance walkability and offer safe crossing for residents. Alongside this, the Lucknow Development Authority has undertaken projects such as a 500-metre jogging track, open gyms, yoga huts, gazebos, and lighting installations at selected locations, supported by multi-crore investments for landscaping and maintenance.An important component of riverside development has been the Akbarnagar stretch of the Gomti. This area had long faced issues due to dense and unplanned settlements along the riverbank.Under the current administration, a large-scale clearance drive was carried out to remove encroachments and restore government control over the river’s edge. Following this action, the cleared riverbank has been opened for planned riverside use, allowing space for green buffers, walking areas, and better riverbank management.The intervention has also improved visibility of the river and reduced congestion along this section.Overall, riverside development under Yogi Adityanath’s government reflects an approach based on planning, enforcement, and infrastructure-led improvement.By reorganising key stretches of the Gomti, including Akbarnagar, the administration has strengthened the riverfront’s role as a functional public space within Lucknow’s urban landscape.

Lucknow is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the development of the Green Corridor project, a flagship initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government aimed at creating a balance between modern infrastructure and environmental sustainability. The project reflects the government’s strong vision of making the state capital cleaner, greener, and more commuter-friendly. The Green Corridor spans nearly 28 kilometres, starting from IIM Road and extending up to Kisan Path (Outer Ring Road). A key operational stretch from IIM Road to Hardinge Bridge (Pakka Pul) has already improved traffic movement by providing smoother and largely signal-free travel. In later phases, the corridor connects major areas including Pipraghat Railway Bridge, Samatamulak Crossing, Nishatganj, and Shaheed Path, significantly strengthening connectivity across eastern, central, and western Lucknow. Implemented under the leadership of the Uttar Pradesh Government, the project has been executed by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA)

La Martiniere — Grand, dramatic, and steeped in charisma! This legendary institution isn’t just about education—it’s about aura. Towering over time with effortless grace, La Martiniere has mastered something few places ever do: staying relevant while remaining regal.La Martiniere’s magic goes far beyond its looks. This is an institution that has shaped generations—leaders, artists, thinkers, and trailblazers who carry the unmistakable confidence of being Martinian.There’s pride in the air here, polished by tradition and powered by ambition. Creativity and excellence go hand in hand. The institution has churned out many personalities like Nobel laureate R.K. Pachauri, tennis star Leander Paes author S. Allan Sealy, police officers Dushyant Singh & Anuj Sharma , Air Force officer Anubhav Tripathi, and military figures like Lt Gen Bipin Puri.Because of its majestic architecture, the Indian film industry too has a soft spot for La Martiniere. The campus has that rare cinematic quality: timeless, textured, and rich with emotion. Directors love it because it doesn’t need dressing up. The vintage architecture, natural lighting, and old-world charm bring instant credibility to period dramas, elite-school narratives, and intense emotional arcs. When La Martiniere appears on screen, it doesn’t fade into the background—it commands attention.In many films, the location becomes a silent storyteller. A staircase becomes a turning point. A corridor holds tension. A courtyard captures nostalgia. La Martiniere offers all of this effortlessly. It stands in for royal mansions, colonial institutions, and historic estates, lending authenticity that no set design can truly replicate.What makes La Martiniere irresistible to Bollywood is the same thing that makes it legendary in real life: soul. It carries history without being heavy, grandeur without arrogance, and beauty without pretension.In an age obsessed with the new and the now, La Martiniere remains iconic by simply being itself. A place where minds are shaped, stories are born, and cinema finds its perfect frame. Classic. Charismatic. Completely unforgettable.

As the temperature drops and fog wraps the city in a soft embrace, Lucknow quietly slips into its most poetic season. Winter here is not announced by calendars, but by flavours. And none captures the essence of the season better than Makhan Malai, also lovingly known as Nimish. This delicate dessert is as much a craft as it is a tradition. Made only when the winter air is cold enough, fresh milk and thick malai are left to rest under the open night sky, allowing nature to do its work. At the break of dawn, the mixture is gently hand whipped for hours, infused with saffron and lightly sweetened, until it transforms into an impossibly airy, cloud like foam. Soft, fragrant, and fleeting, Makhan Malai melts on the tongue almost instantly, leaving behind a whisper of sweetness. Its charm lies in its rarity. You will find Makhan Malai only during winter, typically between November and February, and even then, only for a few hours each day. Vendors usually begin selling it around 8 AM, and by 4 PM, or sometimes much earlier, the day’s batch is gone. Once it sells out, it is gone until the next winter, making every serving feel special. The most authentic way to enjoy Makhan Malai is in the narrow lanes of Chowk and Old Lucknow, where generations of vendors continue the same age old process. Served in small bowls, often topped with finely chopped pistachios and almonds, it is best eaten standing on the roadside, wrapped in a shawl, watching the city wake up around you. More than just a dessert, Makhan Malai is a reminder of Lucknow’s relationship with time. It cannot be rushed, preserved, or replicated out of season. It exists only in the moment, shaped by the cold air, skilled hands, and centuries of culinary wisdom. At Indie Times Coverage, we celebrate these seasonal stories that define the soul of the city. From winter only delicacies to forgotten flavours, we bring you closer to the tastes that make Lucknow timeless.

Sharma Ji ki Chai- Sharma Ji Ki Chai, established in 1949, has been a beloved tea adda in Lalbagh, Lucknow, for three generations. Originally from Aligarh, the Sharma family brought their love for tea to the city, creating a legacy that continues to delight tea lovers today. First Generation: Shri Om Prakash Sharma laid the foundation, turning a humble tea stall into a local favourite. Second Generation: His son, Deepak Sharma, expanded the stall’s reputation, keeping the kadak chai, bun-makkhan, samosas, and mathri alive, while welcoming poets, students, and office-goers. Third Generation: Manav Sharma, grandson of Shri Om Prakash Sharma, now carries forward the family tradition, maintaining the flavours, tehzeeb, and charm for today’s Lucknowis. Over the years, Sharma Ji Ki Chai has hosted political leaders like former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former UP CMs Kalyan Singh & Rajnath Singh, as well as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Raj Babbar, and Jyotiraditya Scindia. It has also welcomed Bollywood and culinary stars such as Sanjeev Kapoor, Raghnesh, Kartik Aaryan, and Ananya Panday – a testament to its legendary status. 📍 34, Trilok Nath Marg, Sushanpura (Lalbagh) ⏰ 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon–Sat) | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Sun) Indie Times Coverage brings you closer to the corners of Lucknow where history, culture, and flavour meet. Sharma Ji Ki Chai is not just a tea stall – it’s a legacy in every cup.