The 10th edition of the Bengal Mango Mela and Handloom-Handicraft Expo 2024, a vibrant celebration of mangoes and handicrafts, has commenced with great enthusiasm. This annual event, proudly presented by the West Bengal government, showcases a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and agricultural bounty. The festival, inaugurated on 16th JUNE,2024 by Mrs. Ujjaini Datta, Resident Commissioner of the Government of West Bengal, serves as a platform for artisans and mango growers from six districts of West Bengal namely – Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas & Bankura to display their exquisite products. This festival has brought together a huge quantity of around 40000 Kgs of the diverse range of delicious Bengal mangoes such as Himsagar, Laxmanbhog, Lyangra, Fazli, Misrikant, AAsudagi, Amrapali, Golpakhash, Totapuri, Krishanbhog, Mallika, Kohitur, Gopal Bhog, Ashina, etc.
With an impressive array of mango varieties, including the GI-tagged Laxmanbhog, Khirsapati (Himsagar), and Fazli, the expo offers a unique opportunity for mango enthusiasts to indulge in the taste of authentic Bengal mangoes. The expo not only celebrates the king of fruits but also highlights the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans, promoting the diverse handloom and handicraft traditions of the region. The event, which runs until June 30, 2024, at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi, is a testament to the state’s commitment to nurturing and promoting its agricultural and artisanal sectors, fostering a sense of community and economic growth. Visitors can expect a delightful experience, exploring the myriad flavours and crafts that define the essence of West Bengal.
The Mango Mela in Delhi is a vibrant celebration that showcases the diversity and richness of mangoes, a fruit deeply embedded in the cultural and culinary heritage of India. This festival not only provides a platform for mango growers from West Bengal to present their prized cultivars but also serves as a confluence for agro-industries to exhibit an array of mango-based products such as jams, pickles, juices, and canned fruits. It’s an event that underscores the importance of agriculture in the region and supports farmers by opening up marketing avenues. The festival is a testament to the enduring appeal of the mango, offering a respite from the intense summer heat and allowing Delhi’s residents to savour the taste of rare and exotic mango varieties. In addition to the fruit, the festival also celebrates West Bengal’s rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms, all of which bear the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) recognition. Items like the Bankura Panchmura Terracotta, Bengal Dokra, and the Purulia Chhau mask, along with GI-recognized foods such as Gobindbhog rice and the iconic Rasogolla, are displayed, providing a holistic experience of the region’s cultural and gastronomic offerings. The Mango Mela is more than just a fruit exhibition; it’s a cultural fiesta that brings together the flavours, crafts, and vibrant spirit of West Bengal to the heart of Delhi.
The new initiatives introduced this year include a diverse range of attractions and activities. The exhibition zone showcases GI-tagged products from West Bengal, highlighting the unique and indigenous offerings of the region. Visitors can capture memories at the selfie zone and photo booth, and witness the creativity of tribal artisans at the live art exhibition. The food zone is a celebration of Bengali cuisine, featuring a wide array of mango-based dishes, savoury items, bakeries, pickles, and other delicacies, including organic mango treats from Sundarini Naturals of South 24 Parganas.
The mango growers from West Bengal were provided with an interactive platform to showcase the ‘king of fruits’. “The purpose of the Mango Mela is to encourage farmers to display their produce for marketing and support them. Additionally, people from Delhi will have the opportunity to taste delicious mangoes,” says a spokesperson.
The huge crowd is expected to witness the display of various varieties of mangoes some are these rare varieties not easily available in Delhi claimed the organizer.
The Mango Mela is more than just a marketplace; it’s a cultural hub where visitors can experience live performances. The festival is not just a feast for the palate but also for the senses, with a cultural extravaganza scheduled for the evenings of June 23 and June 30, 2024. The lineup includes a duet vocal performance by Moumita Kundu and Rajarshi Debray of Delhi, the Raibeshe Bengali folk martial dance- Kolkata, a dance recital by Shinjan Dance Academy of Delhi, and a performance by the Bengali fusion band HAMELIN of Kolkata. This event is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of West Bengal and is supported by the Office of the Resident Commissioner, Government of West Bengal, with assistance from the Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The festival is being supported by several departments and institutions of the Government of West Bengal, including the Department of Food Processing Industries & Horticulture, MSM & Textile, Agriculture Marketing, Tourism, Animal Resources, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Self-Help Group & Employment, Sunderban Affairs, and Tribal Affairs.
For those in New Delhi, the Bengal Mango Mela & Handloom – Handicraft Expo 2024 is an event not to be missed. It’s a celebration of taste, tradition, and talent, all under one roof at the Handloom Haat, Janpath. Come and be part of this extraordinary fusion of flavours and artistry that captures the essence of Bengal’s rich cultural legacy.
