From mango eating competitions to mango themed quizzes and contests, the city’s popular annual event, the mango festival, is back after a long wait of three years on Friday.
At the 32th Mango Festival 2023 organised by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation at Janakpuri Dilli Haat, the participating mango-growers across India displayed newer varieties of the fruit besides the usual hits such as Langra, Chausa, Rataul, Hussainara, Ramkela, Kesar, Fazri, Mallika, and Amrapalihat. Being organised in the Capital since 1988, this year’s edition had over 500 varieties of mangoes displayed by participants from Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The event will showcase mangoes of various shapes and sizes, ranging from grape-sized mangoes to papaya-sized mangoes. Delhi Tourism Minister Atishi inaugurated the 32nd Mango Festival on Friday.
“Mangoes which is everyone’s favourite fruit and summers are synonymous. It brings back cherished childhood memories of bonding over mango-eating competitions. While we witnessed numerous mango orchards in our time, children growing up in metropolitan cities like Delhi might miss out on these experiences. However, this unique initiative by the Delhi government will provide them an opportunity to experience the journey of mangoes from orchards to plates and learn more about the kings of fruits,” she said. “The Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi regularly organises such events to promote rich art, culture, and employment opportunities,” she said.
During this three-day festival, people can enjoy various cultural programmes along with different types of mangoes from 12 pm to 10 pm. There is no entry fee for the festival, and free shuttle service from Tilak Nagar Metro Station has been arranged for the convenience of visitors.
