Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Inaugurates the 34th Mango Festival at Thyagaraj Stadium

New Delhi, June 27- The three-day 34th Mango Festival 2025 was inaugurated today at Delhi’s Thyagaraj Stadium by Chief Minister  Rekha Gupta. She stated that this event, organized by the Delhi Tourism Department, is a celebration of India’s mango heritage, agricultural prosperity, and cultural pride. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, MLA Neeraj Basoya and Chief Secretary Dharmendra was also present at the event. Chief Minister also inaugurated the mascot of 34^th mango festival-2025.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, “In India, mango is not just a fruit, it is an emotional experience. It reminds us of our villages, our traditions, and the warmth of summer memories. This festival is dedicated to our hardworking farmers whose toil brings the sweetness of mangoes to our tables.”

The Chief Minister congratulated the Delhi Tourism Department for preserving this cultural heritage and promoting it through events like the Mango Festival. She appreciated the incredible variety of mangoes on display at the festival, noting that one could find mangoes as small as grapes and as large as papayas weighing up to two kilograms. She further said that just as we used to draw mangoes with a crown in our childhood books, mango truly remains the “King of Fruits” — yesterday, today, and always.

The Chief Minister paid special tribute to the farmers whose year-round hard work brings forth such a wide variety of mangoes. She remarked that this festival is not only a celebration of their dedication but also a unique occasion for the people of Delhi to relish the flavours, culture, and joy associated with mangoes.

She added that the Delhi government has always strived to align culture with modernity. Such events not only honour traditions but also promote tourism and local trade. She said, “I urge all Delhi residents and visitors to come with their families and enjoy the flavours, culture, and togetherness that this festival offers.”

On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Shri Kapil Mishra said, “The Mango Festival is not just a celebration of a fruit—it is a tribute to our culture, the hard work of our farmers, and our rich traditions. The hundreds of mango varieties here not only showcase taste diversity but also remind us of the richness of our soil and the brilliance of our farmers.”

He added that the festival supports local crafts, arts, and family values while promoting the essence of Indian agriculture and cultural heritage. He further added, “I call upon every resident of Delhi to be part of this wonderful event and experience the sweetness of India’s soil.”

Delhi Tourism began organizing this annual festival in 1988 with the aim of celebrating the rich diversity and charm of India’s mangoes. Indian summers are considered incomplete without mangoes, and Delhi summers are incomplete without the Mango Festival. Mangoes have held cultural and religious significance in India since ancient times.

The event is a major attraction for mango lovers and cultivators from across the country. Over 400 varieties of mangoes are on display, including many rare and regional varieties. More than 400 varieties of mangoes are being exhibited, including Langda, Chausa, Ratol, Husainara, Ramkela, Kesar, Fajri, Mallika, and Amrapali.

Mango producers, cooperative societies, and private organizations from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Punjab, and Odisha are participating.

The festival features a diverse range of mango-related products such as pickles, juices, papad, and chutneys. In addition, there are exhibitions on horticulture, research, and local agricultural innovations and techniques. This is a golden opportunity for Delhiites to explore and purchase unique mango varieties, including organic produce.

Mango Festival is not only a delight for agriculture and fruit enthusiasts but also a family attraction for tourists. Children can enjoy educational and entertaining activities such as quiz competitions, slogan writing, and a dedicated Kids Zone. The festival also includes a special selfie zone and a virtual gallery. A virtual appearance by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has also been specially arranged.

The festival also features sales of mangoes, mango-based products, and saplings. Main attractions include mango-eating competitions for both men and women, vibrant cultural performances, handicraft and handloom product stalls, and a variety of culinary delights.