Bengal Mango Mela & Handloom Handicraft Expo 2025 : A Walk Through Bengal’s Soul at Janpath – Mangoes, Weaves & Warmth
Ever since I received the invitation to the Mango Mela being organised by the Government of West Bengal I was excited. Who does not want to experience the specialities of any state and that too from the culturally rich Bengal in the comfort of a place near your own home? Yet I never imagined that visiting the Bengal Mango Mela and Handloom Handicrafts Expo would be stepping in a place where my senses came alive with flavours and colours.
As I stepped into Handloom Haat, Janpath, a soft breeze carried with it the scent of ripe mangoes along with the rustle of cotton and silk fabric. It was as if a slice of Bengal had been gently transplanted into the heart of Delhi and I had just walked right into it.
This wasn't just an exhibition, it was a journey through time, taste, and tradition.
The handloom and handicrafts stalls spread over two floors jostled for attention with their colourful display of Tangail or Jamdani weavers displaying their beautiful collection.
Nearby hung Balu Chori sarees, soft yet structured, perfect for summer evenings. The Kantha embroidered dupattas and blouses told tales stitched over hours, days sometimes months. Every thread was a narrative.
I touched soft Kolkata cottons, flipped through stacks of stoles, admired the bold red-and-black patterns on handwoven blouses. There were bags, pouches, bamboo fans and wooden cutlery.
The earthy Patta Chitra scrolls, whispered Bengal’s stories in lines and colours. As I looked at them with admiration an artist sang the story painted on the scroll in his beautiful voice, praying to Durga Ma seeking her blessings.
As we moved ahead I was drawn by the aromas of food in the air. I followed my nose to the food court a wonderland of flavours. Being vegetarian I settled with Luchi with Alur Dom and Raw banana cutlets but the non- vegetarian counters buzzed with Shorshe Ilish (mustard fish) and other delicacies. There was a stall selling Mango Sandesh, Mango Kheer and rosogollas with a mango twist. Tea of various flavours as well as pickles, chutneys and condiments were also available.
In a quieter corner, I found a display by Sundarini Organic, a collective of women from the Sundarbans, bringing organic dairy and produce directly to consumers.
I read about how their cows are fed with pesticide-free green fodder, how herbal medicine replaces antibiotics, and how the community works with pride. It wasn't just milk but an empowered livelihood. A QR code on the banner led to an app. "You can order online too".
The second floor had some more interesting stalls of clothes and artefacts. However the main attraction is the Mango Outlet on the second floor where I was greeted by towering crates of golden Malda mangoes Himsagar, Langra, Fazli, Laxmanbhog etc, all glowing like jewels. Farmers proudly spoke of their journey: how these mangoes travelled farm-to-market, grown organically in Bengal’s fertile soil.
Tasting one slice felt like biting into Bengal’s summer sun, juicy, sweet, and deeply satisfying. And one doesn’t have to worry about the heat since the exhibition is spread out on two floors in the air-conditioned premise of Handloom House.
Kudos to the Resident Commissioner of West Bengal, IAS Ujjani Datta Madam for beautifully converging efforts across departments especially the Horticulture Department to bring the best of Bengal to Delhi. The freshest varieties of Malda mangoes, curated with care, and a stunning showcase of handicrafts, handlooms, and folk art stand as a tribute to Bengal’s rich heritage. As I walked out, hands full of mangoes and heart full with stories, I couldn’t help but smile.
This expo is not just an event; it is a heartfelt support system for weavers, artisans, self-help groups, and cooperatives, empowering local communities while delighting urban hearts and a celebration of craft and courage.
I heard that on 6th July there would be evening performances of tribal dances from Purulia, vocal recitals by children, and the beloved folk band DOHAR. I have made a mental note to return.
If you’re in Delhi before 8th July, don’t miss this immersive experience. It’s not just about mangoes or sarees it’s about Bengal’s beating heart, laid bare in colour, warmth, and soul.
R. Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner,
Compassionate Civil Servant and PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay
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