Bluru's annual Mango and Jackfruit Mela begins

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The annual Mango and Jackfruit Festival began on Friday at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in the city.

Attendees can witness many varieties of mango and jackfruit at this annual festival. The Mango Festival is open to the public for the next three weeks.

More than 100 farmers from various parts of Karnataka are present at the festival. Around 60 stalls have been set up for the sale of different varieties of locally grown mangoes while approximately 15 stalls sell jackfruit.

Rakesha, a farmer from Kodihalli village said, “The Mango Festival is fun for people who love the fruit. You can find many kinds of mangoes there, like Sweet, Spar, Sindura, Hema, and Mallika. Each mango tastes different and yummy. The mangoes are priced differently, so you can pick the ones you like and can afford.”

Reflecting on the growing preference for organic produce, Nandheesha Reddy from Kolar District highlighted the speciality of naturally grown mangoes free from chemical intervention, which are prominently featured in dedicated stalls.

"For those who prioritise health and sustainability, these organic mangoes are a real treat," he said.

Another farmer from the Chikkaballapur district said, “People are now choosing organically grown locally sourced produce and melas such as these give an opportunity for us to directly connect with customers. Almost all fruits here are farm fresh, naturally ripened and handpicked by us.”

While the mela is scheduled for the next three weeks, the farmers who have set up stalls hope that it is extended and expect many more people to attend the fest.