DELHI,07.07.19-Ending the three-day celebration of the King of Fruits on an eventful note, the 31^stMango Festival brought together thousands of mango lovers at Dilli Haat Janakpuri this weekend. The three-day festival was a refreshing delight for Delhiites who gathered to see more than 500 varieties of mangoes collected from the Northern parts of India.

Exploring the evergreen love for Mango harboured by every Indian household Mango Festival proved to be a great way to make Delhi’s sweltering summers not only endurable but also enjoyable. Being the juiciest event of the year, the enthusiasm of visitors has yet again proven that the festival has become one of the major and the most awaited cultural events of Delhi.

Mango named after Indian Cricket team’s Captain became the main attraction of the exhibition.

This year amongst other new varieties introduced by Mango Growers is ’Virat’ (Kohli) Mango (weighing approximately 1kg), dedicated to the dynamic Indian Cricket Team Captain, carrying on the World Cup fervour and fever here as well.

The festival showcased various popular varieties from different states of India. About 20 Mango growers from across the country besides Government horticulturists participated in the event. The farmers from across the country including Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh had come together to display traditional, hybrid and unique varieties of Mangoes. The various types of mangoes on display include Langra, Chausa, Amrapali, Rataul, Hussainara, Ramkela, Kesar, Fazri, Mallika among other assorted varieties.

Some exclusive varieties from the Southern States were also displayed by the National Horticulture Board of India. Varieties such as Gulabkhas, Haathi Jhool (Biggest variety in display, weighing approximately 3 kgs) and Angoordana (Smallest variety on display) also added to the highlight.

Providing a plethora of delights for adults and children alike apart from the opportunity to get acquainted with myriad varieties of mangoes that have marked a journey all the way from the orchards of Northern India to Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, the 31^st Mango Festival featured the sale of fresh mangoes, mango quiz and slogan writing contest, magic shows and cultural programs among other activities. Mango enthusiasts relished the ‘Sau hai Daam Jitne Khao Aam’along with performances by bands like Urooj, Ayaz, Sur Theka, Sufi Amigos, Ekagra, Anakryvit, Rock and Raaga, Indo Fuzon and Artists like Kamal Gill. Magic show and folk-dance performances engaged the visitors just as much.

Witnessing the event for the first time, Gauri Mudgal stated, “Having made countless summers worth cherishing, mango ushers a sense of nostalgia from childhood days spent eating it with family and friends. Finding so many varieties of mangoes under one roof is what made this a must visit event!”

Awards to the winning participants under various categories were given by Sh. Sudhir Sobti, Chief Manager (PR & Publicity and Events), Delhi Tourism at the prize distribution ceremony on the last day. The participants of the exhibition showcasing different varieties of mangoes at the festival were also awarded among winners of various competitions held during the festival.

The three-day festival drew crowd more than 30,000 people from all parts of the city.

“Three decades ago, we incepted our signature event-Mango Festival keeping in mind the role King of Fruits has played in every Indian Household and how Mango growers have consistently added to our lives with their innovative and delicious varieties. This Festival celebrates our bond with mangoes that has come about because of mango growers.” Encapsulated Sh. Sudhir Sobti, Chief Manager (PR & Publicity), Delhi Tourism.