A fruitful summer
Gorge on a variety of sweet delectable mangoes brought in by the West Bengal government at the Mango Mela this month in the Capital
As the summer season peaks in Delhi, the annual ‘Mango Mela’ of the government of West Bengal is back to provide a delicious, sweet treat to the fruit connoisseurs of the national Capital.
This is the fifth edition of Bengal mango festival being held in Delhi, which was formally inaugurated this Saturday, June 17, in the presence of R D Meena, Advisor, Industries and Officer on Special Duty, Government of West Bengal, Shantamanu, Development Commissioner, Handlooms, Government of India, and senior officials of the State Government.
The exhibition, which will be on display at the AC Hall at the Second Floor of Handloom Haat, Janpath, Connaught Place, till June 25, is bringing together delectable mango varieties such as Himsagar, Langra, Gopal Bhog and Laxman Bhog, from Malda, Murshidabad and Bankura districts of West Bengal. Not just mangoes, for the true lovers of the fruit, there are products too such as pickles, jams, jellies and the much sought after Aam papad at the Malcos, Malda Mango co-operative society stall too.
The mangoes are being sold at a rate of Rs 80 or Rs 100 per kg, depending on the type of the mango. “This year we have had a bumper production of mangos across the state. In the first lot we are carrying 5500 kg from Bengal, and depending on the demand we will further replenish our stock,” said Krishnendu Nandan, Deputy Director of Horticulture Department, Malda.
While from Malda more than 5 tonne mangoes have been brought in, Bankura isn’t far behind with 4 tonne mangos in their baskets. “In Bankura, the Amrapalli variety is the most popularly grown, and here too people enjoy that taste. We have brought both Amrapalli and Mallika from state gardens across the district,” said an enthusiastic Buddhadeb Chatterjee, who stood behind the Bankura Mangos stall.
“We have received immense support from the state government, in terms of financial and man-power assistance; else it would be difficult for us to revive all costs. We have been preparing since the last 3 months, but by God and nature’s grace this year we have had massive production across the State,” said Tinku Ghosh, Chairman, of Banga Agro-producer Company Limited.
The Mango Mela, saw enthusiastic visitors, some who came to reminisce their lost time back home in Bengal, and gladly dipped into the other delicacies on display. “Until we taste the Lyangra, or the Amrapalli, we do not feel summer is completely here. This is a great initiative by the government, and we hope to witness many such events in the future,” said Amal Ghosh, a resident of Laxmi Nagar, who has been living in the national capital since the last 15 years.
There were also many happy Delhiites who came to taste the sweetness of the famous Bengal mangos. “We came here last year also, this is our second time. We both are devoted to mangos, and the variety here is quite nice. We will be taking back quite a few for our home!” said Reetika and Ankit, a young couple who came from Ashok Vihar.
Select handloom and handicrafts from Bengal will also be on display for sale at the venue till June 24. A special cultural soiree was organized at the courtyard of Handloom Haat for the inaugural evening – comprising colourful performances by a Delhi-based Bangla band and a dance troupe. Sahajiya, a well-known folk music
group from Kolkata, will stage a program at the same venue on the evening of June 24.
The initiative is being supported by the Departments of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Industry, Commerce & Enterprises, Tourism and Information & Cultural Affairs, Government of West Bengal, as well as the offices of the respective District Magistrates.
The Office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of West Bengal, is coordinating the event.