Delhi’s 31st Mango Festival unravelled over 500 varieties of mangoes, which included Langra, Chausa, Amrapali, Rataul, Hussainara, Ramkela, Kesar, Fazri and other assorted ones
Delhi’s 31st Mango Festival organised by Delhi Tourism in association with Delhi government started on July 5. The festival was inaugurated by Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, government of Delhi in the presence of Rajesh Rishi, MLA Janakpuri; Dr M Ariz Ahmmed, managing director-National Horticulture Board, government of India, Shurbir Singh, managing director and CEO, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Corporation Ltd (DTTDC) and D Varma, general manager, Delhi Tourism.
At the inaugural ceremony, Manish Sisodia said, “Delhi Government has been traditionally organising this festival for the past 31 years and it is a great way to know more about the ‘king of fruits — mangoes’. Mango growers have time and again surprised us with the ever-evolving varieties they bring forth. The enthusiasm of people towards the exhibition as well as the competitions showcase their love for this fruit.”
The festival unfolded over 500 varieties of mangoes, which included Langra, Chausa, Amrapali, Rataul, Hussainara, Ramkela, Kesar, Fazri and other assorted ones.
A new variety grown by farmers from Muzafarnagar, was named after the Indian Cricket Team Captain, Virat Kohli. It became the main attraction of the exhibition.
Day one witnessed mango enthusiasts relishing the ‘Sau hai daam jitne khao aam’ along with performances by bands like Urooj and Indo Fuzon. Magic show and folk-dance performances maintained the enthusiasm of the visitors.
Abhishek Girdhar, a young photography enthusiast, said the event is a must visit. “Having made countless summers worth cherishing, mango ushers a sense of nostalgia from childhood days spent eating it with family and friends.”
The following day saw 30 women participating in the mango eating competition, in which the participants were given three kg of mangoes to consume within three minutes. Kavita Chaudhary soared as the winner, eating 1.205 kg mango pulp.
The other attractions like magic show and mango quiz kept the audience engrossed. Bands like Sur Theka, Ekagra and Rock n Raaga gathered huge crowds. There was also a sale of fresh mangoes and mango-based products like pickles, chutney, juice, jelly, aam-papad and jam.
Daniel Bromly, one of the many foreign visitors, was spellbound by the frenzy. He said, “This festival epitomises the colour, creativity and the craze for mangoes that India possesses. The competition and the mango eating booth have made my trip to Delhi super interesting. I wish this is replicated in other parts of the world as well, especially back home by Delhi Tourism.”
About 20 mango growers from across the country, including Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh came together to display traditional, hybrid and unique varieties of Mangoes.
To further the excitement, awards to the winning participants under various categories were given by Sudhir Sobti, chief manager (PR and Publicity and Events), Delhi Tourism.
The three-day festival drew crowd more than 30,000 people from all parts of the city, which was evidence enough that the festival was a fruitful affair.
“The festival celebrates our bond with mangoes that has come about because of mango growers,” encapsulated Sudhir.