Tribune News Network
Doha
The Embassy of India in Doha and Souq Waqif concluded a 10-day-long Indian Mango Festival with resounding success on June 8. The festival set new benchmarks in terms of sales, variety and quality of fresh Indian mangoes, Indian mango products, and Indian mango-based dishes and delicacies.
The festival showcased an extensive array of Indian mango varieties and mango products, featuring wide participation from Indian exhibitors, traders, companies, restaurants and cafes. Covering more than 100 stalls in a huge air-conditioned tent at Souq Waqif, a popular tourist destination in Doha, the exhibition treated visitors to a diverse selection of mangoes. Renowned varieties such as Rajapuri, Malgova, Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, Sindhuri, Badami and Totapuri were highlighted, showcasing the rich flavors and diversity of Indian mangoes. Fresh Indian mangoes were transported directly from India to Doha by air almost daily throughout the festival.
With an average daily attendance of approximately 10,000 visitors, the festival recorded total sales exceeding 125 tonnes of fresh Indian mangoes, underscoring the immense popularity and success of the event. Besides fresh Indian mangoes, visitors and mango enthusiasts enjoyed a diverse and wide selection of mango-derived products and freshly prepared mango juices, smoothies, desserts, cakes, ice creams, and other innovative culinary delicacies, demonstrating the versatility of mangoes in food applications. The festival also provided exhibitors an opportunity to present fresh seasonal fruits from India to the audience. The large turnout included visitors from across the GCC countries and a considerable number of expatriates living in Qatar.
The interactive nature of the festival, with radio stations hosting quizzes and engaging with visitors and guests, added to the vibrant atmosphere and fostered community participation, making the event a memorable experience for all. The Indian Mango Festival served as a showcase of India’s horticultural richness and culinary heritage, helping to foster closer ties between the Indian and Qatari communities and leaving an indelible mark on Doha’s calendar of festive events.
Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Vipul thanked Souq Waqif for organising "an exceptional event bringing out Qatar’s love for Indian mangoes”. He expressed happiness at the large footfall at the event and thanked the exhibitors for displaying a rich variety of Indian mangoes and mango products.