If you are looking for a festival that infuses food and culture, consider visiting the International Mango Festival held in New Delhi, India. This yearly festival is specifically held in Delhi Haat, Pitampura during the month of July – the summer season in the country. It is one of the major events held in the city and is organized by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). It may seem like a tourist event, but the International Mango Festival is also very popular among locals.
Started in 1987, this two-day Mango Festival is not just all about seeing several regular mangoes in one venue. Mango is India’s national fruit, and is a highly revered Hindu symbol for joy and spiritual attainment. When you thought that you have seen enough mango variety; this festival will certainly prove you wrong as it unveils over 550 varieties of mangoes grown by over 50 mango growers from across the country.
India is already a major exporting country of mangoes, earning a yearly revenue of about $85 million from exporting the fruit and related products. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are the Indian regions known for producing the highest number of mangoes. For these growers, the fruit is their heritage, a representation of their spirituality and a valuable source of income. That is why dedicating a festival to this king of tropical fruits is only fitting.
The International Mango Festival is also organized to encourage promotion and export of local mangoes to interested international buyers. Dilli Haat, which is the festival’s venue, is set up as an open-air mango market. You will see piles of mangoes everywhere and plenty of colorful stalls offering mango based products like juices, jams pickles, chutney and mango pulps. However, your eyes are not the only part that will feast upon these magnificent fruits. You will also have the distinct opportunity to taste different types of mango.
Some of them are considered special and very rare to find. Examples of mango varieties are Alphonso, Langda, Chausa, Dasheri, Sindheri, and Bombay Green. If you think that eating a lot of fresh mangoes is enough, then you’re in for a surprise! Although highly unlikely, some of the city’s best chefs from reputable establishments like Taj Mahal Palace Tower, InterContinental Hotel, Maurya Sheraton and Marriot India become significant participants of the festival as they whip up their finest mango dishes for the public to enjoy.
After you have satisfied your taste buds, you also have the opportunity to experience different activities and events conducted in the festival. Some of the fun mango-themed activities include magic shows, eating and judging competitions, slogan writing, folk performances, and even carving demonstrations on mangoes. If you have the time, drop by one of the interesting quizzes about mangoes and its uses in cuisines. Chances are, you will learn more about mangoes at the festival than ever before in your life. You can even buy and bring home a mango tree for your garden as a souvenir for this wonderful experience.
So, if ever you find yourself in Delhi in the summer or you’re planning a vacation in the city, don’t hesitate to add this enjoyable, vibrant and unique festival to your bucket list.
Writer’s note: When traveling in India, it is always better to look, but NOT taste!
