Mampazhakkalam, the annual mango fest and family expo organised by the Malankara Social Service Society, a social arm of the Major Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, is under way at Kanakakkunnu.
Deputy Mayor Rakhi Ravikumar and Fr. Bovas Mathew, Director of the Malankara Social Service Society, inaugurated the expo on Friday.
150 stalls at expo
As many as 150 stalls, including those showcasing mangoes from across the country and various types of jackfruits, have been put at the expo.
Nearly 42 varieties of mangoes are showcased here, with prices ranging from Rs.100 for the Sindooram to Rs.160 for the Kalapadi. Heaps of Salem, Priyoor, Alphonso, Malgoa, Kilichundan, Karpooram, Moovandan, Neelam, and Banganappalli are a feast for the eyes.
“The cultivators are specifically instructed to use traditional methods of ripening such as covering them with stacks of hay. Pesticides are not used at all,” says Gopakumar, coordinator of ‘Mampazhakkalam.’
The mangoes were brought from Palakkad, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. However, transportation seemed to be a hiccup for traders, a vendor from Palakkad said. The stalls were being run by agents from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
A number of mango products, including jams, halwas, and pickles, are available at the expo.
Mango and coconut saplings of different varieties could also be picked up here. Honey is also available at various stalls.
The fete includes special pavilions set up to display sculptures made by select artists from Thiruvananthapuram, rare artefacts and installations, and furniture sale.
A mural art camp and demonstration led by artists from the mural painting institute at Guruvayur is being held.
Game shows to add extra fun
Various game shows and amusements have been arranged at the expo for children.
A news photography exhibition organised by a collective of news photographers is a highlight of the expo. A book expo has also been organised.
The exhibition is on from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day till April 17.
