Mirpur Khas has long been known as the mango capital of Sindh.

Every year, during summer and monsoon, the city comes alive with a burst of colours, aromas and tantalising flavours as it hosts the much-awaited Mirpur khas Mango Festival.

The month-long festival marked its 20th anniversary in June this year. The annual event has become a symbol of pride for the district and a cherished event for mango farmers and enthusiasts from around the country.

As a result of dedicated efforts by the district government, the Mango Festival has blossomed into a grand celebration that showcases the richness and diversity of mangoes.

The festival provided the growers with a chance to showcase various varieties of mangoes. The venue was dotted with countless stalls where passionate farmers and expert cultivators displayed their bountiful harvests.

Each stall represented a distinct variety; from the succulent Sindhri to the tangy Anwar Ratol, from the fragrant Chaunsa to the sweet Dusehri.

The festival was not merely a feast for the taste buds of the citizens – though it was that too. On another level, it was an educational experience for citizens from all walks of life.

The event brought the growers together with the consumers as the farmers answered the queries of the citizens about the unique qualities and cultivation techniques of each mango variety.

Such sharing of knowledge ensures the preservation of the city’s mango legacy. “In view of the effects of climate change on production and harvesting, crop festivals, such as the Mango Festivals and Kisan Mela, are essential for spreading awareness about mango farming and its many varieties,”says Waqar Ahmed, a PhD scholar from National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

“These occasions provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge about various cultivars and shed light on the global agricultural and horticultural systems that are employed to produce high-quality mangoes,” he adds.

“The gatherings act as forums for the exchange of knowledge, allowing farmers to demonstrate their skills and customers to obtain an understanding of the activities involved in agriculture.”

“Furthermore, stakeholders like lawmakers, professionals and corporations may make use of these festivals to forge successful partnerships and look into opportunities for mutual gain,” Dr Ahmed notes.

In its twenty-year journey, the festival has transformed into a testament to the city’s dedication to its prized fruit and the tireless efforts of the farmers who strive to bring the juiciest mangoes to the world.

All about mangoes

Mango is a special fruit that holds a unique place in the world. With its irresistible taste and delightful qualities, it has rightfully earned the title of king of fruits. Let’s take a quick look at the history of some of the indigenous mango varieties,

Sindhri

One well-known mango variety in Pakistan is the Sindhri. It has been cultivated for 115 years, starting from 1905 when it was brought as a gift from Madras, India.

Din Muhammad Jonejo planted it in his garden along with Abdul SamadKachehlo’s 2-acre land. Over time, this mango evolved into a beloved fruit.

Imam Pasand

In India, there is a popular variety called Imam Pasand. It was favoured by the Mughal emperor Humayun. It is mostly grown now in Andhra Pradesh. Initially named Humayun Pasand after him, it later came to be called Imam Pasand.

Chaunsa

Another variety called Chaunsu is grown in Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Multan, and Sahiwal. It was introduced in Afghanistan by Sher Shah Suri in 1539.

Sher Shah Suri discovered the unique fruit during the celebration of his victory in the Battle of Chausa near Bihar’s Buxar district on June 26, 1539. Since then, it has been known as Chaunsa.

Alphonso

The famous Alphonso mango owes its name to Portuguese General Afonso de Albuquerque, who discovered it. When the Portuguese began colonising India after Vasco da Gama arrived in 1498, General Afonso de Albuquerque played a significant role in his campaign.

During a war, he captured the Muslim ruler, Ismail Adil Shah. In 1510, General Afonso de Albuquerque introduced a new mango variety to the region and named it after himself.

Dassehri

The Dassehri variety of mango is associated with the Kakori region of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is over 200 years old and was discovered by Nawab Anwar-ul Haq of RatoLaria area. This variety is also popular in Pakistan.

Langra

Both India and Pakistan have another beloved mango variety called Langra,which is over 200 years old. It was brought by a traveller from Banaras (Varanasi) who planted two seeds in a Banaras temple. After a few years, people noticed its fruits and began calling it Langra in honour of the traveller.

These mango varieties have gained popularity for their exquisite taste. Various rulers, including Kashinath Pan, the ruler of Madras, have visited temples and relished the flavours of these exceptional mangoes.

The writer is a freelance journalist. He can be reached on Twitter @Nabeell_Abro