Wedding Costs Set to Rise as Lucknow Municipal Corporation Hikes Kalyan Mandap Rent by 40%, Doubles Community Centre Charges

Lucknow:
With the wedding season set to begin from February 5, expenses for social and ceremonial events in Lucknow are expected to rise sharply after the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) approved a significant increase in the rent of Kalyan Mandaps and community centres. The decision is likely to place an additional financial burden on residents planning marriages and social gatherings.

The decision was approved during the Municipal Corporation’s General House meeting on Tuesday. As per officials, the revised rates will come into effect immediately after the meeting minutes are formally signed.

According to the new decision, the rent of Kalyan Mandaps has been increased by 40 percent, while the rental charges for several community centres have been doubled. Additionally, license fees for nursing homes, hospitals, pathology labs, restaurants, and cafés have also been doubled.

Mayor Sushma Kharkwal said that a proposal to increase the rent by 50 percent was initially placed before the House. “After deliberations, the House reached a consensus on a 40 percent hike,” she said, adding that the rents had not been revised for several years.

Jhulelal Vatika Rent Doubled

The Municipal Corporation has also approved a sharp hike in the rent of Jhulelal Vatika, a popular venue for social and commercial events.

• For social functions, the daily booking charge has been increased from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
• For commercial events, the rent has been doubled from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per day.

Relief for Traders—for Now

In a partial relief to traders, the Corporation has temporarily deferred the proposal to increase license fees for 21 trade categories, including gyms, coaching centres, jewellery showrooms, branded clothing outlets, sports academies, and bakery factories.

Following protests by traders, a review committee has been constituted to reassess the proposal. The committee is expected to submit its report within one month, after which a final decision will be taken.

Most and Least Expensive Venues

• The Manasrovar Kalyan Mandap will now be the costliest, with booking charges rising from ₹88,500 to ₹1,23,900.
• The Barolia Community Centre in Daliganj remains the cheapest option, though its rent has also increased from ₹2,950 to ₹4,130.

The move has triggered concern among residents, especially those preparing for weddings during the upcoming auspicious period, as rising venue costs add to already escalating event expenses.