'Hindus' Festival, Hindus' Trade': Bajrang Dal Posters Spark Stir in Lucknow
Posters in Lucknow's PGI and Mohanlalganj areas call for Diwali shopping from Hindu traders, sparking debate on festive market conduct.
As the city of Lucknow gears up for the grandeur of Diwali, a wave of controversy has emerged following the appearance of provocative posters attributed to the Bajrang Dal. These posters, spotted in the PGI and Mohanlalganj areas, are calling for a specific shift in consumer behavior during the festive shopping season, urging residents to keep their trade within the community.
The Message: A Call for Exclusive Trade
The posters prominently feature the slogan 'Hindus' festival, Hindus' trade,' making an explicit appeal to the public. The messaging encourages consumers to ensure that their Diwali purchases are made exclusively from Hindu shopkeepers, framing the act of shopping as a matter of community solidarity.
Beyond the call for economic exclusivity, the posters also target the firecracker market. There is a stern warning directed at firecracker traders, urging them to be mindful of the products they sell and ensuring that no items are traded that could potentially hurt Hindu sentiments.
A Pattern of Festive Campaigns
This is not the first time such campaigns have surfaced in India. Historically, similar messaging has been seen in other states, such as Madhya Pradesh, under slogans like 'Apna Tyohar, Apanon Se Vyavahar' (Our festival, behave with our own). These campaigns typically emphasize economic cooperation and financial support within the community during major religious festivals.
Local Atmosphere and Official Silence
While the posters have triggered local discussions and concerns regarding potential tensions in the marketplace, the official administrative focus in Lucknow remains elsewhere. As of November 3, 2026, government reporting has been centered on welfare initiatives, specifically subsidies under the Ujjwala Yojana.
Simultaneously, the city has been buzzing with political activity. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently led the BJP's 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' march, dominating the local political narrative. Despite the visibility of the Bajrang Dal posters in specific neighborhoods, there have been no official statements or reactions from the authorities regarding this particular campaign.