The third edition of the Indian Mango Festival at Souq Waqif is showcasing more than 50 varieties while celebrating the deep cultural and economic connections between Qatar and India, ambassador Vipul has said.
Speaking to 'Gulf Times', the envoy noted that the festival is more than a celebration of one of India's most cherished fruits; it also highlights the deepening cultural, people-to-people and trade ties between Qatar and India.
Vipul, expressing his appreciation to the Qatari authorities for supporting the event, said the festival reflects the close relationship shared by the two countries through food, culture and commerce.
"This is something that goes to the heart of culture. Food is something that connects people, and food is something that especially connects us Indians and the Qatari population and the general population in the Gulf," he said.
The festival features between 40 and 50 varieties of Indian mangoes, along with a range of mango-based products and food offerings from participating restaurants and eateries.
Highlighting the similarities between the two cultures, Vipul pointed to shared favourites enjoyed by residents of both countries. "We have many similarities. We have biryani, we have mangoes, we have dates, we have karak chai, we have roti, we have puri – many things which are enjoyed by people here in Qatar," he noted.
He described the festival as a platform that brings people together through shared experiences and traditions. "I think this is one such exhibition where people come together, and this is a bonding that takes place over food, over mangoes. Everyone feels happy," he said.
Beyond its cultural significance, the ambassador stressed that the event also reflects the strong economic relationship between Qatar and India. "That also connects to the trade relations between India and Qatar. We buy a lot of energy from Qatar and we export a good amount of food products, especially rice, mangoes and many other things," he said.
The envoy added that the festival symbolises not only the strategic partnership between the two nations but also the enduring connections between their people. "I feel happy that this is emblematic of that kind of a connect between our two countries – this strategic partnership, but more than that, the people-to-people ties between our two countries."
Encouraging residents and visitors to attend, he noted that last year's festival attracted around 150,000 visitors. "They should come because you have a large variety of mangoes. It is a good family outing with mangoes," he said.
Open daily from 4pm to 10pm, the festival also features innovative mango-inspired creations, including ice creams, golgappas and other speciality dishes, offering families a vibrant celebration of culture, flavour and friendship between Qatar and India.