Kozhikode's Gandhi Park plays venue to a mango festival-exhibition cum sale-to appease people's cravings for the fruit of the season. Organised in collaboration with the Calicut Agri Horticultural Society, the festival was inaugurated on April 26 and will continue up to May 2. The inaugural was presided by district collector Sambasiva Rao and inaugurated by mayor Thottathil Raveendran. Other dignitaries present were PK Krishnanunni Raja, Thomas Mathew, M Rajan and councilor Kishan Chand .
Visitors can relish mango varieties- familiar and new- at stalls at the fourth gate of the Park. The sights and smells of the mangoes are drawing huge crowds to try the mangoes of different shapes, sizes ,and tastes.
Traditional popular varieties galore
Popular varieties like Chakkara Kutty (Rs 150 per kilo), named after its intense sweetness and small size, Moovandan known for its bright yellowish-orange shade, varieties like Banganapalli and Red Gudadath (Rs 80 per kilo), and Kalapadi (priced at rs 100 per kilo) have emerged as the bestsellers. Other options available are Totapuri, Cheeri and Kunjappus each priced Rs 50 per kg, and the mouth watering traditional Priyoor, Neelan and Vellaran. Sindooram and Alfonso varieties are available for Rs 70 per kg.
New mango varieties to lookout for
Over 25 variants of mangoes with tastes as interesting as their names like Jahangir, Patiri, Ammini, apart from Lords, Rumania and Mayilpeeliyan seek takers. Some varieties with unique names like Mundappa, Rajamanu and Kurukkan have already emerged popular amongst the public.
The event also offers saplings of mango, jackfruit and guava varieties for sale. Tour the stands without feeling dehydrated with chilled glasses of yummy mango juices.
