New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) The 35th Mango Festival organised by Delhi Tourism kicked off on Friday at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, attracting visitors with over 400 varieties of the King of Fruits, said an official.

The three-day annual festival will remain open from noon to 9 p.m. till Sunday, offering daily mango-eating competitions for men and women and showcasing the cultural heritage through live performances.

The Mango Festival, which has become a key element in the Capital’s tourism circuit, also features magic shows that strike a chord with mango lovers from both India and abroad.

Apart from the display of mango varieties like Mallika, Malda, Sindoori, Kesar and Amrapali, the Festival also features a range of stalls selling fruit and mango-based products, said an official.

During the Festival, mango-eating competitions for women and men are organised throughout the day, even as children take part in competitions, including slogan writing and quizzes.

There is also a selfie point where people click photos and enjoy dance performances by folk dancers, said an official.

Talking about the three-day Festival, an official highlighted that the Delhi government has specially invited mango growers from across the country and provided them a platform for sale.

“The exhibition of various rare and delicious varieties of mangoes and mango-based products paints the city in vibrant colours of the King of Fruits,” he said.

Last year, Delhi Tourism Minister Mishra had even joined mango-producing farmers and traders from across the country to listen to the 123rd edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

Mishra had said the event not only elevated the stature of the Aam Mahotsav but also served as a meaningful step towards engaging and connecting with farmers and traders.

–IANS

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