This summer, mango lovers in Delhi are in for a refined treat. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to host a distinctive two-day celebration titled ‘Khaas‑ye‑Aam’ — a mango festival that lives up to its name with rare varieties, dignified ambiance, and a focus on mango heritage from across India. Scheduled for July 5 and 6, the event will unfold at the Palika Services Officers’ Institute (PSOI) in Chanakyapuri, one of Delhi’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
A Boutique Mango Festival With a Curated Experience
Unlike larger mango exhibitions such as the ones hosted at Dilli Haat or Lucknow’s Awadh Shilpgram, ‘Khaas‑ye‑Aam’ has been intentionally designed as a boutique festival — intimate, dignified, and showcasing mangoes as not just fruit, but cultural icons.
The event will feature more than 300 mango varieties, sourced from prominent agricultural research institutions and regional growers. Each mango carries a story — of the soil it grew in, the climate it endured, and the community that nurtured it. According to an NDMC official:
“This is not just a festival; it’s a cultural tribute to India’s mango-growing heritage, crafted for a discerning audience.”
When and Where
Dates: July 5–6, 2025
Time: 4 PM to 9 PM
Venue: Palika Services Officers’ Institute (PSOI), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Entry is open to the public and is expected to attract food enthusiasts, families, diplomats, and agriculture aficionados alike.
What’s on Display: A Showcase of Mango Diversity
Among the varieties being featured this year are Arunika, Ambika, Sansesan, Tomy Atkins, Fazli, Langra, Lucknowa, and Safeda. These mangoes span both commercial and heritage classifications and will be showcased with detailed placards on their flavor profiles, region of origin, and recommended culinary use.
Research institutions such as ICAR-CISH Lucknow and ICAR-IARI New Delhi are playing a key role in supplying unique cultivars, many of which are the result of hybridization and sustainable farming initiatives.
Stall organizers, including farmer cooperatives and mango preservation groups, will be available to answer questions, offer tastings, and educate visitors on topics like pest resistance and organic cultivation.
More Than Fruit: Experience, Education, and Engagement
The NDMC has planned a carefully curated program to enhance the visitor experience. Activities include mango-themed quizzes for children and adults, recipe demonstrations by chefs, live music, and interactive cultural showcases. There will also be exhibitions exploring the history of mango cultivation in India and its socio-economic importance today.
The choice of venue — Chanakyapuri — is intentional. With embassies, government institutions, and elite residences nearby, the event doubles as a platform for agro-diplomacy and India’s soft power.
Vendor Participation and Industry Involvement
About 25 vendors will be setting up stalls this year, offering fresh mango boxes and value-added products like pickles, pulps, and preserves. NDMC has waived participation fees for approved farmers and cooperatives, encouraging broad representation from across mango-producing states.
Growers have until July 1 to register, with priority given to organic and heritage producers. This zero-fee structure opens the gates for smaller mango growers to gain urban exposure and engage directly with consumers who appreciate quality and storytelling.
Why ‘Khaas‑ye‑Aam’ Deserves Your Time
Delhi hosts several mango events every year, but ‘Khaas‑ye‑Aam’ is positioned differently. It’s not about crowds or volume — it’s about craft, identity, and sensory delight. You can taste mangoes you’ve never heard of. You can ask farmers how they kept a rare variety alive. You can sip on mango panna while listening to classical music in a leafy, quiet setting.
One participating grower put it simply:
“We’re not just selling mangoes — we’re preserving a legacy.”
Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a heritage lover, or a weekend explorer, ‘Khaas‑ye‑Aam’ promises a unique, flavorful experience in the heart of diplomatic Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ‘Khaas‑ye‑Aam’ Mango Festival in Delhi?
It’s a boutique mango festival organized by NDMC, featuring over 300 mango varieties, cultural programs, and mango-based product stalls. It is held at PSOI Chanakyapuri on July 5 and 6, 2025.
Where is the venue for this year’s mango festival?
The festival is held at Palika Services Officers’ Institute (PSOI) in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi — a central, lush, and elite zone ideal for such curated events.
What time does the event run?
The event runs from 4 PM to 9 PM on both days.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free for all visitors.
What are some of the rare mango varieties on display?
Visitors will find Arunika, Ambika, Sansesan, Tomy Atkins, Langra, Safeda, Fazli, Lucknowa, and hybrid varieties developed by ICAR institutions.
Can I buy mangoes at the event?
Yes, several vendors and farmer groups will offer mangoes for sale, including both fresh produce and value-added items like jams, pickles, and juices.
Who is organizing the event?
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is organizing the festival, with participation from ICAR‑CISH Lucknow, ICAR‑IARI New Delhi, and mango growers from across the country.
How is this festival different from others like the one in Lucknow?
‘Khaas‑ye‑Aam’ is more intimate and focused on heritage, diplomacy, and curated experience. It is not a large-scale mela but a refined celebration aimed at a premium audience.