Mangoes dipped in the sweetness of Bengal

Mango Mela <g data-gr-id="62">is here again</g> to treat the fruit connoisseurs of Delhi with an eclectic range of mangoes. Organised by the West Bengal government, the <g data-gr-id="59">fest</g> that commenced on June 23 at Dilli Haat, INA, is the third edition of Bengal mango festival. Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, the Minister for Food Processing Industries and Horticulture of West Bengal inaugurated the festival in <g data-gr-id="60">presence</g> of other dignitaries from West Bengal.

The fest brings together delectable varieties of mangoes from West Bengal's Malda, Murshidabad and Bankura districts. Varieties of mangoes such as — Himsagar, Laxmanbhog, Langra, Brindabani, Laxmibhog, <g data-gr-id="71">Gulabkhas</g>, Sitabhog and Fazli were displayed at stalls by the three districts. 

Himsagar which becomes available only between the second week of June  and the end of June is perhaps the best-loved variety of the royal family. It is also known as Khirspati in Malda. The taste of Laxmanbhog can be savoured from mid-June to 1st week of July. It has a radiating golden yellow skin with <g data-gr-id="53">reddish</g> tinge. 

<g data-gr-id="44">Langra</g> mangoes are available from second week of June till the end of June. <g data-gr-id="45">Its</g> sweet-and-sour flamboyant flavour is full of rich pleasure. 

Brindabani is a sweet flavoured, early variety. This variety has a good demand in the local market. 

Laxmibhog is a mid-season variety with attractive reddish-yellow skin colour. Fruits are moderately sweet, contains medium fibre with <g data-gr-id="43">mild</g> flavour. 

<g data-gr-id="67">Gulabkhas</g> is known for its reddish-yellow and bright skin colour. Fruits are sweet, they mature 

early, contain medium fibre and characteristic flavour. Sitabhog <g data-gr-id="64">are</g> small, elongated and skin turns yellow when ripe. It is a juicy, fibreless variety and the pulp is medium sweet. Fazli is full of sweet mystery and comes with a lot of juicy <g data-gr-id="63">pulp</g>, mainly in the end of June till the end of July. Just a couple of them could serve as a full royal repast. 

Apart from the wide range of mango, Bengal handloom and handicrafts products Bengal such as Nakshi Kantha (traditional <g data-gr-id="70">needle-craft</g>) apparels, Baluchari embroidered sarees, Shantiniketan embossed leather goods, terracotta costume jewellery, wooden masks and dolls, super-fine mats, hand-printed sarees, clay dolls, <g data-gr-id="69">dokra</g> craft as well as Bengali books are also on sale at Dilli Haat. The exposition also features a stall from the Agriculture Marketing and Tourism Departments of West Bengal.

Cultural soirees will be organised at the amphitheatre of Dilli Haat on June 27 and July 4. Gambhira mask dance of Malda district, Bhatiyali Gaan (songs of the river) and traditional folk music bringing out the vibrant, rich and living cultural heritage of Bengal will turn the evening for visitors even more enjoyable.

 Also, an extension counter for the sale of Bengal mangoes is being set up at Connaught Place outlet of Oxford Bookstore — Cha Bar. So, go ahead and gorge on to some juicy mangoes!