More than 550 varieties of mangoes from various parts of the country have been put on display at the three-day 10th Mango festival which began at the Talkatora Gardens in the Capital on Friday. The festival was inaugurated by Lt Governor Vijai Kapoor. Delhi Tourism Minister S.P. Ratawal was also present on the occasion. Folk tales and songs on mangoes besides a mushaira are part of the festivities.The festival has international presence this year with participants from Pakistan, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil and a few South American countries. There is a special stall for farmers for dispensing information on the latest research on mango-growing. Mango plants are available at nominal prices. Chefs of leading five-star hotels in the city are scheduled to participate in a culinary contest on July 12. The chefs would also demonstrate the process of various mango preparations.A jury would judge the recipe contest on mango dishes by housewives and amateurs. The festival would also feature a mango-eating competition for men and women besides a mango quiz for children. India is the biggest mango-growing country in the world accounting for about 55 per cent of the total production. Out of the 1,100 sub-varieties of about 41 varieties of mangoes, more than 1,000 are grown in the country. According to organisers the festival has been drawing huge crowds every year and this year they expect a record turnout.
