DILIP GUHA ★ NEW DELHI : The Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation Ltd. (DTTDC), in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, proudly hosted the 34th Annual Mango Festival, one of the capital’s most vibrant and beloved cultural events. The festival was inaugurated on June 27, 2025, at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi, by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, and will run through June 29, 2025.
The grand opening ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Sh. Kapil Mishra, Minister of Tourism; Sh. Dharmendra, Chief Secretary; Sh. Neeraj Basoya, Hon’ble MLA, and Ms. Niharika Rai, Managing Director, Delhi Tourism, alongside several other esteemed guests.
Since its inception in 1987, the Mango Festival has grown into a much-anticipated summer tradition, drawing mango lovers, orchard owners, culinary artists, and influencers from across the country. This year’s edition continues the tradition by celebrating India’s most iconic fruit—the mango—through a fusion of taste, tradition, and horticultural excellence.
During the inaugural ceremony, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta fondly remembered her childhood memories of mangoes, invoking a sense of nostalgia among attendees. She applauded the efforts of Delhi Tourism in curating this colorful celebration and encouraged all Delhiites to experience the rich lineup of cultural activities and mango displays. A special highlight was the unveiling of the festival’s official mascot, which added a playful and welcoming charm to the event.
Showcased with an exhibition of more than 400 mango varieties, the festival offered a visual and sensory delight. From tiny grape-sized mangoes to those as large as papayas, the diversity was astonishing. Visitors had the chance to explore both traditional and hybrid mangoes, including:
Langra, Chausa, Rataul, Hussainara, Ramkela, Kesar, Mallika, Amrapali, Fazli, Litchi, Haathijhool, and Husnara, among many others.
Participating growers came from across India—Lucknow, Bengaluru, Pantnagar, Bhagalpur, Saharanpur, Pusa, Muzaffarnagar, New Delhi, and Sitapur—bringing regional mango treasures to the heart of the capital.
The Mango Festival acts as a vital platform for mango growers—both established and emerging—to present their produce, connect with consumers, and showcase value-added mango products. This initiative also promotes agricultural innovation and the conservation of rare mango varieties.
India, being home to nearly 1,000 of the 1,500 mango varieties found worldwide, contributes 40–64% of global mango production, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for over 25.76%. Mangoes are cultivated extensively in states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Assam.
The festival is not just about savoring flavors—it also highlights the nutritional and medicinal value of mangoes. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, mangoes are celebrated for benefits like lowering cholesterol, rejuvenating skin, preventing heatstroke, and improving vision. References to mangoes can be found in ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Charak Samhita, underlining their use in treating ailments like dysentery and vitamin deficiencies.
Mangoes also hold a deep place in Indian history, literature, and spirituality—from Kalidas’ poetry in Abhigyan Shakuntalam to Amir Khusro’s verses, and from temple rituals to motifs in traditional textiles.
Star Participants and Celebrated Cultivators
Prominent institutions and farmer groups showcased their best offerings at this year’s event, including:
ICAR-IARI Pusa, CISH Lucknow, GB Pant University, Bihar Agricultural University, and the Directorate of Horticulture, Saharanpur.
Esteemed organizations like the Kissan Mango Society, Earth Mango Society, Malihabad Mango FPC, and the Society for Conservation of Mango Diversity.
Celebrated growers such as Tariq Mustafa, Rambir, Akhlaq Ali, Mohd. Shahid, and Mohd. Junaid presented unique cultivars and shared insights with visitors.
The Mango Festival is designed as a family-friendly event, featuring:
Mango eating competitions for men and women, Daily cultural performances showcasing Indian folk and classical art, Interactive quiz programs, selfie points, and children’s activity zones, Joy rides, and culinary stalls offering mango-based treats like juices, pickles, and desserts
One of the major crowd-pullers is the Mango Eating Contest, scheduled for June 28, expected to be a highlight for both spectators and participants.
Delhi Tourism invites everyone to immerse themselves in the delightful flavors and vibrant culture of the 34th Mango Festival and create sweet, lasting memories. This festival is a flavorful tribute to the king of fruits, as no Indian summer is truly complete without mangoes. It offers a delightful experience that combines the joy of tasting with insights into horticulture, making it a must-visit destination for fruit enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
The Mango Festival is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM until June 29, 2025, at Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi. Entry is completely free, and to make access easier, Delhi Tourism is providing a complimentary shuttle service from the INA Metro Station to the venue.
