Malda, June 21 -- The Bengal government's annual Mango Festival was formally inaugurated on Saturday at the modern auditorium of the Banga Sanskriti Bhavan complex in Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), New Delhi. The festival, which will continue until July 5, aims to strengthen Bengal's cultural presence in the national capital while expanding markets for the state's agricultural and handicraft products.
This is the first Mango Festival in Delhi following the formation of the new government in West Bengal. The event seeks to reach not only the large Bengali population residing in Delhi but also visitors from across India, showcasing the rich agricultural heritage and traditional
crafts of Bengal.
The festival was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The programme was organised by the Principal Resident Commissioner of Banga Bhavan, Government of West Bengal. The chief guest was Swami Sarvajnanandaji Maharaj, Head of the Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi. Among those present were Ujjwal Saha, President of the Malda Mango Merchants' Association, senior government officials, artisans and distinguished guests.
Malda, widely known as Bengal's mango capital, has sent more than 24,000 kilograms of mangoes to Delhi for the festival. Popular varieties including Himsagar, Gopalbhog, Langra, Lakshmanbhog, Fazli and Amrapali are being showcased.
Fresh consignments will continue to arrive throughout the festival period.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ujjwal Saha, who is also President of the Malda Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "We have brought almost double the quantity of mangoes compared to last year. Along with fresh mangoes, visitors will find mango pulp, pickles and several other mango-based products. Renowned handicrafts from different districts of West Bengal are
also on display."
He added that mango growers, artisans and entrepreneurs from Malda and other districts have travelled to Delhi to participate in the event. "This festival is an important platform for promoting West Bengal's mangoes and traditional crafts before a national audience. We express our gratitude to the newly elected Chief Minister for supporting this initiative," he said.
Apart from mangoes, the festival features Bengal's famous handloom sarees, handicrafts and traditional artisan products, transforming CR Park into a vibrant celebration of Bengal's culture, craftsmanship and cuisine.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.