Dilip Guha, New Delhi: The Mango Festival in Delhi has been a vibrant and much-anticipated event since 1987, celebrating the king of fruits. This year, the 33rd edition of the Mango Festival, organized by Delhi Tourism in association with the Government of Delhi, was inaugurated by the Honorable Sh. Saurabh Bhardwaj, Minister of Tourism, Government of Delhi, on the 5th of July, 2024 at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri. Ms. Niharika Rai, MD & CEO of Delhi Tourism, and Ms. Mitali Naamchoom, General Manager of Delhi Tourism, were also present during the inauguration.
Eating mangoes provides health benefits such as lowering cholesterol, rejuvenating the skin, preventing heat stroke, and improving vision, among many others. Over time, the festival has become a major cultural event in Delhi, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Mango growers from across the country, including Lucknow, Bangalore, Pant Nagar, Bhagalpur, Saharanpur, Pusa New Delhi, Muzaffarnagar, and Sitapur, gathered here to display traditional and hybrid varieties of mangoes.
With over 500 varieties on display at the festival, the journey of mangoes from the orchards to Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, offers a refreshing experience for the visitors. The various types of mangoes on display included Langra, Chausa, Rataul, Hussainara, Ramkela, Kesar, Fazari, Mallika, Amrapali, and other assorted varieties.
Believed to be indigenous to the Indian Subcontinent, the mango is considered as old as the land itself. To indulge in the experience and witness mangoes ranging in size from that of a grape to a papaya, the 33rd Mango Festival is the place to be.
The festival is not just a celebration of the mango’s diverse flavors but also a testament to its integral role in Indian culture. Mangoes are not just a fruit in India; they are a part of the nation’s soul, woven into the fabric of daily life and special occasions alike. From the sweet and tangy flavors that grace the dining tables to the auspicious presence in ceremonial rituals, mangoes have earned their revered status.
Speaking to reporters, Ms. Niharika Rai, MD & CEO of Delhi Tourism, said, “It’s great to see the different sizes, colors, and tastes of mangoes coming from different parts of the country. It’s one of the ways to unite India again. Seeing so many varieties and colors is a wonderful sight.”
This annual event not only promotes tourism but also serves as a platform for farmers and cultivators from various regions to display their produce. Visitors can indulge in a wide array of mango-based products, participate in cultural activities, and learn about the different varieties of this beloved fruit. The festival’s return to Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, offers a perfect opportunity for both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience, relishing the flavors and traditions associated with India’s national fruit.
People from all over Delhi head to Dilli Haat to see the exotic and different types of mangoes on display. Mango along with mango saplings are also available for sale. One of the festival’s main attractions is the mango eating competitions, segregated by gender, which add a competitive spirit to the festivities. Additionally, the Mango Quiz, Slogan Writing Competition, and Special Mango Master classes offer educational and engaging activities for all ages.
Cultural performances are scheduled to entertain guests, creating an atmosphere of joy and community. The sale of mango and mango-based products provides a unique opportunity for visitors to take a piece of the festival home with them. The Mango Festival will take place from 11 am to 9 pm until July 7th, 2024. Entry to the festival is free, but there is a Rs 20 entry fee for Delhi Haat Janakpuri. Additionally, Delhi Tourism offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the festival venue from Tilak Nagar Metro Station.
The main highlights of the 33rd Mango Festival are as follows: –
• Display of rare as well as commercially popular mangoes.
• Mango eating Competition for Men on 6th July 2024,
• Mango Eating Competition for Women on 7th July 2024,
• Mango Quiz and Slogan Writing Competition.
• Daily Cultural Programmes.
• Joy Rides for Children.
• Sale of Mango and Mango based products.