Chota Imambara

Chota Imambara (Hussainabad Imambara) in Lucknow is a stunning 19th-century Shia Muslim shrine built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah in 1838, originally as his own mausoleum. The building is famous for its intricate chandeliers — over 1,000 hanging lanterns and chandeliers from Belgium fill the main hall, creating a magical atmosphere when lit during Muharram. The golden dome and minarets are gilded, and the interior features European and Ottoman decorative influences alongside Awadhi craftsmanship. The complex also contains a replica of the Imam Ali shrine in Najaf, Iraq, and a beautiful ornamental tank. It is often called the "Palace of Lights."