International Mango Festival -June/July

While the International Mango Festival might not be a religious holiday, in India, it is celebrated with the fervor of a major festival. Often called the "King of Fruits," the mango is a symbol of Indian summer, prosperity, and indulgence. This festival, held annually in Delhi, is a vibrant tribute to the hundreds of varieties of mangoes grown across the country.

A Tropical Extravaganza: What is the International Mango Festival?

The International Mango Festival is a massive two-day event that showcases the incredible diversity of the Indian mango. From the tiny, succulent varieties used for pickles to the massive, honey-sweet dessert mangoes, this event is a sensory delight for food lovers and horticulturists alike.

• A Botanical Display: Imagine a hall filled with over 500 varieties of mangoes—from the world-famous Alphonso to the rare local breeds like Amrapali, Langra, and Dasheri.

• The Hybrid Showcase: It is a platform for farmers to showcase new, scientifically developed hybrid mangoes that are larger, sweeter, and more disease-resistant.

The Logistics: Who, Where, and When?

• Who: The event is organized by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

• Where: It is traditionally held at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri (or sometimes at the Ekaatram Complex) in New Delhi.

• When: The festival takes place during the peak of summer, usually in early July, coinciding with the height of the mango harvest season.

Interactive Fun: What to Do at the Festival?

This isn't just an exhibition; it is an interactive carnival designed for families and foodies:

1. Mango Tasting Sessions: The most popular activity! Visitors can sample dozens of different mango varieties for free to discover their personal favorite.

2. Mango Eating Competition: A hilarious and messy highlight where participants (men, women, and children in separate categories) compete to see who can eat the most mangoes in a limited time.

3. The "Biggest Mango" Contest: Farmers from across India compete to see who has grown the heaviest mango. Some winners have weighed in at over 2 kilograms!

4. Culinary Workshops: Famous chefs hold live demonstrations on how to incorporate mangoes into everything from traditional Aam Panna and pickles to modern mango cheesecakes and salsas.

Rituals of the "Mango Cult"

While not religious "rituals," there are certain traditional practices that fans of the festival follow:

• The First Slice: Much like a sacred offering, the first slice of the season’s best mango is often shared among the youngest members of the family.

• The Bucket Soak: A traditional Indian ritual where mangoes are soaked in a bucket of cold water for an hour before eating to "cool" their internal heat—a practice many visitors discuss and follow during the hot festival days.

Fascinating Mango Facts

• The Emperor’s Favorite: The Mughal Emperor Akbar was such a fan of the fruit that he planted a massive orchard of 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga, Bihar, known as the Lakhi Bagh.

• Global Giant: India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world, accounting for nearly 50% of the global supply.

• Health Powerhouse: One mango provides nearly 100% of your daily Vitamin C and Vitamin A requirement.

Other Related Topics: Mangoes Beyond the Plate

• Mango Wood: In many Hindu rituals, mango wood is used for Havan (sacred fire), and mango leaves are strung across doorways (Torans) to bring good luck and keep out negative energy.

• Handicrafts: At the festival, you can also buy mango-themed handicrafts, including textiles featuring the famous "Paisley" pattern, which is actually a stylized mango shape.

• Preservation Culture: A dedicated section of the festival focuses on Achar (pickles) and Murabba, showcasing how Indians preserve the "taste of summer" to last throughout the winter.

How to Reach the Festival

Since the festival is held in the heart of the capital, New Delhi, it is very accessible:

• By Metro: The easiest way is via the Delhi Metro. For the Janakpuri Dilli Haat venue, get off at the Tilak Nagar or Janakpuri East station (Blue Line).

• By Air/Train: Delhi is the central hub of India. From New Delhi Railway Station or IGI Airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi or the Metro directly to the venue.

Reader Interactive: Which Mango Are You?

Are you a fan of the firm and royal Alphonso, the long and fiberless Dasheri, or the small and incredibly sweet Chausa? If you visit the festival, you can take a "mango personality test" to find which of the 500 varieties matches your palate!

इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें