New Delhi: Mouthwatering varieties of mango were on display at an annual mango festival that began in the capital on Saturday. The festival attracted thousands of mango lovers who were baffled by the exhibition of 500 varieties of the fruit. The two-day event, organised by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, was inaugurated by chief minister Shiela Dikshit. With an eye on export promotion, commercial varieties like Ameen Khurd, Mulgoa and Totapuri, hogged the limelight. The festival gave the growers an opportunity to get orders for their produce on the spot. Dikshit said the festival could make the people aware of the variety of mangoes available in the market. "The knowledge about mangoes...when we go shopping, we just ask for 5-6 varieties of mangoes. But it is here, that we realise that there are over 600 hundred varieties of mangoes. It is remarkable. We are very proud of it also," said Dikshit. Both local and foreign visitors were enthralled by the choice of mangoes. "Quite a number of different mango products. We can get everything from pickles to candies and juices. It is really interesting about the varieties there are," said Eckbert Wittaker, a foreign visitor. Ranjana, a domestic visitor said: "There are lot of new dishes that have come up. We can try them at home. We can relish those dishes with varieties of non-veg. Normally we do not have non-veg. This year there are lot of non- vegetarian varieties."

          The annual festival of mangoes, which began in 1991, has become a sought after affair where mango lovers flock to taste the choicest varieties of the juicy aeromatic fruit. The first mango festival was held in Saharanpur. But after a tremendous response from visitors and growers, the venue was shifted to Delhi to give growers better exposure. India is the world's biggest mango producer contributing 59 per cent of total production. Out of the 1,100 varieties of mangoes, about 1000 are grown in India among which Kesar, Totapari, Neelam and Dombaia are very popular. India exports about 30,000 tonnes of mangoes every year to nearly 40 countries including Britain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Canada. But India's share in the world mango market is less than 15 per cent. The major mango growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
July 3, 2004

One killed, 24 injured in blast near Dal Lake  (Go to Top)

         Srinagar: A bomb hidden in a hand cart exploded in Srinagar on Saturday, killing one person and wounding 24 in continuing violence. No rebel group has claimed responsibility for the attack in a crowded area near Srinagar's main tourist attraction, the Dal Lake. K Rajendran, Inspector General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, said militants set off the bomb. "These blasts are hitting the normalcy which is returning to the valley. Eight people were injured and are undergoing treatment at a local hospital," he said. Shabbir Ahmed, an injured eyewitness, said: "I was going to take my exam and all of a sudden there was a blast and I got injured. Then we ran away from the site." It wasn't clear whether tourists were hurt in the blast.
July 3, 2004

Goans fall hook, line and sinker for Portugese win (Go to Top)

         Panaji: The countdown for the finals of Euro 2004 has brought good times for the sports kiosks in Goa. The sale of Portuguese t-shirts, football shoes and other items has suddenly gone up bringing cheers to the shopkeepers who are also showing their blind support to the Portugese items. Having been ruled by Portuguese by over 450 years, the Goans have a deep-rooted emotional attachment with the small European nation and with the host country reaching the finals, the mood is upbeat. Goans are literally painting the town red - the Portuguese team colour, with everything in the colour sold out and shopkeepers already drained out of their stocks. Shopkeepers say the Portugal team jersey is in high demand and has already been bought in bulk by various hotels and clubs. Demand is also high for the Roterio Football which is being played in all Euro matches. "There is a craze for the Rotiero ball and also for t-shirts of Portugal. We had short supply earlier but now we get our stuff from Mumbai and the craze is all over India," said Linet, a shopkeeper in Panaji. Kenith, a football freak, said: "Yes I watch all the Euro cup matches. Though my favourite team is France, right now they are out so I am supporting Portugal." Linet said apart from sports goods, other utility items like mugs, crockery and key chains with football theme are in high demand. In one of the major upsets of the tournament, Greece beat favourites Czech Republic 1-0 to set a showdown with Portugal in the final match on Sunday.
July 3, 2004

Thousands arrive in Varanasi to observe Guru Purnima (Go to Top)

         Varanasi: Thousands of devouts gathered in Varanasi on Friday to observe the annual festival of "Guru Purnima" or the day of the full moon. Hindus observe the day in praise of "Guru" (teacher). People paid respects to their "gurus" in the holy city that houses innumerable religious schools. "We wait for this day to pay respects to our guru. This is a very pious day," said Indira Devi, a devotee from Patna. "He (guru) is like God for us," said Raghu, another devotee. According to Hindu beliefs a guru has an exalted position, even higher than that of God. Several women kept a fast and prayed to their deities for the well- being of their husbands and protection from evil. Varanasi, on the banks of the river Ganga, is one of the holiest cities of India. Legends say the Ganga has flown from heaven to earth to wash away the worldly sins of mankind.
July 2, 2004

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