Chandigarh, June 30 – Haryana Tourism is all set to hold the 20th edition of its annual Mango Mela at Yadvindra Gardens, Pinjore from July 2 to 3, 2011 where farmers will be encouraged to adopt latest technologies to increase productivity and quality of the mangoes and their product. Thus enabling the farmers to get better returns for their produce and products of mangoes.
This was stated by Haryana Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Ram Kishan Fouji while addressing the mediapersons here today. The two-day festival would be jointly organized by Haryana Tourism and Department of Horticulture.Mr. Fauji said that the mela marks the arrival of mango which is considered as the “king of fruits”. Apart from showcasing various varieties of mangoes and providing an opportunity to the visitors to see and taste a variety of mangoes, this event would be a grand affair featuring an assortment of cultural activities. He said that it would also help farmers of the region to share their experiences and exchange their knowledge during the mela. The mela also provides a common platform to the artisans and self-help groups to display and sell their products, he added.
Mela would inaugurate on July 2 and Haryana Governor Mr. Jagannath Pahadia would be chief guest at the prize distribution-cum-closing ceremony on July 3, 2011. A national seminar is also being organized on mango cultivation on July 3 at Kisan Bhawan, Sector-14, Panchkula. On this occasion, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Dhanpat Singh, Managing Director, Mr. S.N. Roy and other senior officers were also present. Mr. S.N. Roy said that Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Chhatar Singh would inaugurate the Mango mela on July 2, 2011.
He said that Mrs. Dona Ganguli wife of former Caption, Indian Cricket Team, Mr. Saurabh Ganguli would perform Odyssi Dance during evening cultural programme on July 3. The various varieties of mangoes would be on public display during the mela. The state Tourism Department has planned many activities like rangoli competition, face painting contest, cultural programmes, painting, fancy dress, mehandi competition and various other events to entertain the visitors. Besides, food bazaar would be set up for serving different varieties of food or cuisine to the visitors. In order to ensure good quality of snacks and other food items, the food stalls have been set up by the Institute of Hotel Management, Kurukshetra, Institute of Hotel Management, Panipat, Imperial Institute of Hotel Management, Manimajra, Rayat Bahra Institute of Hotel Management and Fort Ramgarh Institute of Hotel Management.
While speaking about developmental activities at Pinjore, Mr. Fauji said that Yadvindra Garden is being developed as a heritage destination. Also, the nearby Bhima Devi Temple has been renovated as a world class ancient museum. Various renovation and conservation works in the garden are in progress.
Six fountain channels and four cross channels have been renovated or conserved with marble at their bottom and sides. Water proof lights, strip lights and fountains have been fixed in the channels. The conservation of structure of Jal Mahal has been carried out. New fountains and lights have been fixed around Jal Mahal area. Water re-circulation system with filters has been installed for filtering the water running in the channels. The quality of water has improved after installation of the system. Ramps at various terraces have been constructed for the convenience of elderly and disabled persons. Stone paths have been constructed in the orchards. Concrete road has been provided along the outer periphery of the garden. Additional parking in front of the garden has been constructed and music system has also been added to the garden. Ornamental lights would also be installed. The construction of sewerage treatment plant is in progress it would treat waste generated from the motel and the garden.