Indian Embassy's mango tasting event draws over 8000 people in US
By Reena Bhardwaj, Washington DC, June 28
The Indian Embassy's mango tasting event 'Taste the Tropical Magic' in Washington DC drew over eight thousand people.
Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, said that they were expecting a footfall of 8,000, but the actual footfall is much higher.
Kwatra, in a conversation with ANI, said that mango has now firmly and squarely embedded in the custom to the American taste buds.
"Look, it's not really a mango diplomacy. It's essentially a very tiny fraction of the taste of India, which we have tried to showcase here. We were expecting about 8000 people at RSVP. Our understanding is that number has far exceeded. It also tells us that mango has now firmly and squarely embedded in the custom to the American taste buds. But besides mango, we also have basmati rice promotion and Indian tea. Should try and get you samples of that Indian tea, Indian coffee. For the first time, I ever never knew there is olive tea in India. We had olive tea. All these things are being showcased on a day that is wonderful. It was expected to rain. Even rain god favoured us and it has stayed quite dry for the night. People are enjoying. Ultimately, that's what it's about," he said.
He further said, "If people enjoy, they enjoy a taste of India of Indian rice, Indian mango, Indian tea and coffee. Well, that speaks for itself."
Kwatra said that the huge footfall shows that such events must be held more frequently.
"So this is clearly a message to us that it perhaps needs to be done more frequently than annually. And we also probably need to broaden our basket of things to showcase. So I wouldn't be surprised if you start now seeing food promotion events that are more than once per year, twice per year," he said.
Indian Embassy in the US on Saturday (local time) held 'Taste the Tropical Magic' -- a celebration of India's renowned mango varieties, with free tastings for all.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wow, over 8000 people! That's incredible. Mangoes are the king of fruits, no doubt. But I wonder if the event was actually free for all or just for invitees. Clear communication from the embassy would be nice.
I'm American and I absolutely love Indian mangoes - Alphonso, Kesar, you name it. This event sounds amazing. More cultural exchanges like this please! 🇮🇳🥭
Mango diplomacy - I like that term! But honestly, the real diplomacy should focus on trade deals and visas for skilled professionals. Events like this are nice for PR but don't solve core issues.
Attended this with my family! The mango varieties were incredible - tasted Totapuri, Alphonso, and even some new hybrids. The Indian tea and coffee stalls were a bonus. Well-organized event by the embassy. 🎉
Olive tea from India? That's new to me too! The diversity of Indian produce is amazing. But I hope the embassy focuses on promoting Indian agricultural exports to the US, not just hosting tasting events.
I never knew Indian mangoes were so popular here! This is soft power at its finest. The ambassador
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