Three-day mango treat for Delhiites

Have you ever seen or heard of a 6-kg mango? If not, then you can spot one at the 22nd mango festival which will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at Pitampura Dilli Haat on Friday.

Have you ever seen or heard of a 6-kg mango? If not, then you can spot one at the 22nd mango festival which will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at Pitampura Dilli Haat on Friday.

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The annual three-day mango extravaganza is getting bigger this year, with around 600 varieties of the fruit on display from across country.

"There are about 1,200 varieties of mangoes in the world and India grows about 1,000 varieties At the festival you will see a mango the size of a grape as well as mango bigger than a papaya," said R.P. Srivastava, an agriculturist and consultant, Mango Festival organised by Delhi Tourism.

The festival, in which large a number of both institutional and individual mango growers will participate, will also see a host of competitions for growers and visitors.

You can test your mango-eating abilities at a competition, where you will have to eat 3 kg of mangoes in three minutes.

There will also be a competition for mango growers in 10 varieties of mangoes —Dusserheri, Langra, Chausa, Mallika, Husnara, Ratul, Ramkela, Fazli, Amrapali, the biggest mango — and the assorted varieties.

"People generally know of a few varieties. The event gives them an opportunity to see and taste many traditional and hybrid varieties of the fruit and also interact with growers," says Manoj Kumar, manager, Public relations, Delhi Tourism.

The event will also showcase mango-based products.