Bengal's Rarest Nawabi Mangoes Take Centre Stage at Murshidabad Mango Festival 2026

Kolkata / Murshidabad, June 8, 2026: The Murshidabad Mango Festival 2026 got off to a spirited start with its curtain-raiser at iLEAD, Kolkata, drawing heritage enthusiasts, food lovers and travellers for a preview of one of Bengal’s most distinctive seasonal celebrations. Presented jointly by the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and House of Sheherwali, the month-long festival runs throughout June 2026 at Azimganj, Murshidabad.
The event brought Murshidabad’s legendary Nawabi mango culture to the city, showcasing rare cultivars seldom found beyond the district’s centuries-old orchards. Among the varieties on display were the Kohitur, once reserved for Nawabi courts, celebrated for its saffron-like aroma; the Rani, floral and known as the “queen” of local mangoes; Bimli, small and intensely sweet with paper-thin skin; and the bold and deep-hued Kala Pahar. Also present were the varieties Bombai, Champa, Mulayamjaam, Dilpasand, Anaras, Chandankosa, Rogni and Saranga providing a glimpse into Murshidabad’s extraordinary treasury of over 150 cultivars.
The event was graced by a distinguished gathering that highlighted the festival's growing significance. Among those present were the Honorary Consul Generals of Brazil, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, and Norway, alongside prominent restaurateurs, former District Governors of Rotary Club, and principals of prominent schools of Kolkata. They were treated to traditional mango delicacies prepared from age-old Sheherwali recipes like Aam Panna, Kacha Aam Kheer, Mango Sandesh, artisanal chutneys, and seasonal sherbets, each dish a testament to the community’s deep culinary legacy.
“Murshidabad's mangoes are not merely fruit they are living heritage, carrying centuries of royal patronage, artistic devotion, and cultural memory. Through this festival, we aim to preserve them and thus, preserve Bengal's soul. We want people to experience these mangoes where they truly belong, in the orchards of Murshidabad.", said Pradip Chopra, President of Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and Founder of House of Sheherwali.
The festival is currently underway at the House of Sheherwali, a heritage mansion that stands as India’s first museum hotel, where you can stay. Its courtyards, galleries and rooms narrate centuries of Bengal’s Nawabi era from river trade and royal craftsmanship to architecture and sustainable living traditions of the historic Sheherwali Jain merchant community. The month-long festival, held throughout June, offers curated 2-night and 3-night immersive stay packages that include orchard walks, Sheherwali meals, cultural activities and complimentary pickup from Azimganj Railway Station.
Murshidabad is now conveniently accessible from Kolkata via the Vande Bharat Express, connecting Howrah to Azimganj in just 2.5 hours. Overnight express services from Kolkata also serve the route. With limited festival packages available, early booking is strongly encouraged.