Mango mela kicks off at Pinjore Gardens today

Tourism minister Ram Bilas Sharma will formally inaugurate the fair at 5 pm.

The 26th Mango Mela started with much fanfare and enthusiasm at Pinjore Gardens on Saturday.

Over 3,000 different mango varieties are likely to be showcased at this annual affair that attracts mango lovers from across the region. (Bhartesh Singh Thakur/HT)

Over 3,000 different mango varieties are likely to be showcased at this annual affair that attracts mango lovers from across the region.

A seminar will also be organised during the mela to make it useful for the farmers attending it. Agriculture specialists and scientists from agriculture universities of north India, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have been invited to interact with farmers.

Over 3,000 different mango varieties are likely to be showcased at this annual affair that attracts mango lovers from across the region.

A seminar will also be organised during the mela to make it useful for the farmers attending it.

While the farmers were registering their mangoes, students were flocking to various competitions such as solo dance, rangoli, and face painting. This year, the prize money has been increased 10 times, from Rs 2,100 to Rs 21,000 and from Rs 5,100 to Rs 51,000.

Tourism minister Ram Bilas Sharma will formally inaugurate the fair at 5 pm.