Lucknow: Sunday morning brought a burst of energy and community spirit to the city as the World Environment Day edition of Happy Streets turned Sukoon by Pardos Okas into a people-first public space. With the stretch opened for residents instead of vehicles, families, young professionals, children and senior citizens stepped out in large numbers, filling the road with fitness activities, games and performances that blended celebration with a message of healthier, more sustainable living.Bank employee Faraz Hussain said the atmosphere felt like a rare pause in the city’s daily pace. “It felt like the city paused its rush just for a few hours and given people a chance to simply exist, breathe and enjoy. I came here thinking I would just take a short walk, but somewhere between the music, the laughter and the energy around, I found myself staying longer, smiling more and feeling lighter than I have in days.”The programme began on a calmer note with a yoga session led by Virendra and Shekhar.The tempo soon shifted as SK Mintu and Mansi led a high-energy zumba session, drawing crowds onto the road to dance to popular Bollywood numbers, including “Gallan Goodiyaan” and “Oh Ho Ho Ho.”From hesitant first steps to full participation, the session turned the street into an open dance floor, with onlookers gradually joining in.Social media influencer Vedika Dwivedi described the morning as a smooth transition from mindfulness to celebration. “I started my morning with yoga, which felt incredibly grounding, and then shifted straight into zumba, which completely lifted the mood,” she said.RJ Shadab kept the crowd engaged, moving from one activity zone to another with announcements and interactions that sustained the momentum. Children gathered around Anand’s magic show, reacting with wide-eyed excitement as tricks unfolded at close range. A tug of war brought a competitive edge to the event, with cheers rising as teams pulled in unison and spectators urged them on.Chief guest and Lucknow East MLA OP Srivastava highlighted the wider value of such public initiatives. “People should make time for such initiatives. These platforms encourage healthier lifestyles and also help build a sense of community, especially important for the younger generation in today’s routine,” he said.Away from the stage area, the street functioned like a pop-up playground. Children moved between balloon shooting, archery and hoopla stalls, while others spent time at pottery and face-painting counters. Sports zones stayed active as badminton rallies continued, football rolled across open patches, and cricket shots drew applause from nearby participants.Marketing professional Rohan Verma said, “It truly felt like stepping into a festival where no one was a stranger. I arrived with no plan except a morning walk, but ended up playing cricket, trying my hand at archery and joining the dance session as well.” Homemaker Sneha Kapoor said, “Watching families, children and even elderly people participate together was deeply comforting. In a world that moves so fast, mornings like this remind you that happiness does not need much.”
