Raja ki Thandai: Secret Behind Lucknow’s Colorful Holi

Amidst the vibrancy of Holi festivities, the allure of Raja ki Thandai near Gol Darwaza, situated in Chowk, is unparalleled for the denizens of Lucknow.

Established back in the annals of 1936, this establishment magnetizes a kaleidoscopic spectrum of patrons, spanning across generations, each Holi season.

“As is tradition, we brace ourselves for the influx of patrons seeking our signature Thandai, with footfalls intensifying two days prior to Holi, climaxing on the day of the festival itself, as many opt to traverse here expressly to relish our chilled concoction post-color revelries,” articulated Ashish Tripathi, one among the proprietors.

Tripathi elucidated that the emporium remains operational round the clock during the Holika Dahan ceremony and the ensuing day, when the city is swathed in hues.

“A diminutive glass (250 ml) is priced at ₹60, whereas a larger variant (300 ml) commands ₹70. The inclusion of Bhang comes gratis. Should one desire its infusion with Thandai, it is provided sans additional charges. The discretion to partake in Thandai laced with Bhang rests entirely with the patron,” conveyed Trapithi, further elaborating that owing to its sacrosanct status as an offering to Lord Shiva, Bhang is sourced from local purveyors.

“Our Thandai garners favor owing to the incorporation of premium ingredients such as Kesar, assorted fruits, and mewa, eschewing synthetic essences in favor of genuine rose water,” he asserted.

Dispelling misconceptions, proprietors affirmed that Bhang is devoid of the toxicity synonymous with alcohol. “In ancient texts, it is referred to as ‘Bijiya,’ with mentions in scriptures and its historical application in traditional medicine,” elucidated Tripathi.

“Lal Maharaj Tiwari laid the foundation of this establishment in 1936. Our Thandai was relished by Pt Nehru himself, with regular dispatches made to him. Upon its relocation from the heart of Chowk to the current locale of ‘Kasturba Market’ opposite Santoshi Mata Mandir, the inauguration was graced by the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The legacy was perpetuated during the tenure of Vinod Kumar Tripathi, scion of Lal Maharaj Tiwari, affectionately known as Raja,” recounted Vinayak Tripathi, the nephew of Ashish Tripathi.

The emporium served as a rendezvous point for the city’s political elite, including Lalji Tandon, Kalyan Singh, and Rajnath Singh.

Reflecting on this cultural cornerstone, Vinod Maheshwari, a denizen of Chowk and member of the organizing committee for the renowned Chowk Holi festivities, remarked, “Holi remains bereft of its quintessence sans the infusion of Thandai, prompting our family’s biennial pilgrimage to this revered establishment. It is customary for all procession attendees to converge here in celebratory cohorts.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Millie Malhotra, residing in the Qaiserbagh enclave, makes it a point to convoy with her kinfolk on Holi afternoon, further enriching the festive spirit.

Proprietors affirmed that while preserving their loyal clientele, they have broadened their reach, facilitated by food delivery aggregators, ensuring aficionados can savor their bespoke Thandai from the comfort of their abodes.