Lahore mango festival 2025 kicks off with over 50 varieties on display

The Punjab Tourism Department launched the two-day Mango Festival 2025 in Lahore, drawing large crowds eager to celebrate Pakistan’s favorite summer fruit. The event featured over 50 mango varieties and offered a lively blend of traditional music, folk dances, handicrafts, and mango-inspired dishes.

Held at a local hotel, the festival attracted tourists, students, farmers, and hospitality professionals. Punjab Secretary of Tourism Fareed Ahmad Tarar and TDCP Managing Director Dr. Nasir Mehmood inaugurated the festival, calling it a tribute to Punjab’s farmers and agricultural legacy. They emphasized its role in boosting tourism and promoting local industries.

Agricultural experts at the event warned that climate change, extreme heat, and water shortages have significantly impacted this year’s mango crop. Production is expected to fall by nearly 40–50%, dropping national output from 1.8 million to about 1.4 million metric tons. However, the government still aims to export 125,000 metric tons, targeting $100 million in foreign exchange.

Festival attendees enjoyed farm-fresh mangoes sold at affordable prices and participated in cooking demos. Young artists also showcased mango-themed artwork, celebrating the fruit’s vibrant appeal. Visitors, especially women and youth, expressed excitement over experiencing so many rare mango types in one place.

Pakistan grows more than 200 mango varieties, with around 20 exported globally. Popular types like Chaunsa, Sindhri, Anwar Ratol, and Langra were among the festival highlights. Known for their rich flavor and aroma, Pakistani mangoes are widely regarded as the “King of Fruits.”

Meanwhile, in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, local markets are packed with mango lovers. Vendors are offering premium mangoes sourced from Punjab and Sindh, with Chaunsa and Sindhri leading in popularity. With high demand and strong sales, the summer mango season is in full swing.