The recently concluded 30th Mango Festival once again proved Delhi’s denizens’ love of mangoes. The three-day festival, which drew more than 30,000 people from all parts of the city, was a refreshing delight for Delhites, who gathered to see more than 500 varieties of mangoes from the northern parts of India.
The festival was inaugurated by Manish Sisodia, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Govt. of Delhi, at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, in the presence of Dilraj Kaur, Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Delhi; Shurbir Singh, Managing Director and CEO, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Corporation Ltd (DTTDC); and C Arvind, General Manager, Delhi Tourism.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Sisodia said, “Delhi Government has been organising this festival for the past 30 years, and it is a great way to know more about the King of Fruits – Mangoes. The enthusiasm of people towards the exhibition as well as the competitions showcases their love for this fruit. I am sure the next two days will be equally engaging, with other activities and cultural programmes.”
As summers and mangoes go hand in hand, the Mango Festival was a great way to make Delhi’s sweltering summers endurable. Over the years, the festival has become one of the major and most awaited cultural events of Delhi, drawing thousands of visitors every year. Having shifted venues a couple of times, from Talkatora Stadium to Ashoka Hotel and Pragati Maidan to Dilli Haat, Pitampura, the three-day festival has been a perennial favourite with Delhiites
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The Mango Festival aimed to showcase the specialties of mangoes from different states of India. A total number of 13 farmers, along with nine government horticulture departments and agriculture institutes participated in the event. The farmers from across the country, including Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, came together to display traditional, hybrid and unique varieties of mangoes, including Langra, Chausa, Amrapali, Rataul, Hussainara, Ramkela, Kesar, Fazri, Mallika, among other assorted varieties.
The 30th Mango Festival provided a plethora of delights for adults and children alike, who were introduced to a myriad varieties of mangoes from the orchards of Northern India. Additionally, fresh mangoes were up for sale, there was a mango quiz, a slogan-writing contest, magic shows and cultural programmes, among other activities. Bands such as Rock n Raag, Tafri, Kitaab, Swarism, Urooj, Metrocity, Sohail Live, The Project Raag, Sahitya Kala Parishad and Peprico enchanted the crowds with their soulful performances. Day One was replete with competitions, such as ‘Sau Daam Kitna bhi Khai Aam,’ among other performances.
Awards to the winning participants, under various categories, were presented by the General Manager, Delhi Tourism, at the Prize Distribution ceremony on the last day. The participants, who showcased different varieties of mangoes at the festival were also awarded.
