CANBERRA: Pakistan High Commission in Canberra organized the first-ever Pakistan Mango Festival as part of the celebrations marking 75 years of independence of Pakistan and the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Australia.

The festival was attended by over 5,000 people including Australian officials, diplomats, local people and members of the Pakistani community from all over Australia.

The festival showcased different varieties of Pakistani mangoes, mango products, Pakistani herbs and spices, leather products, sports goods as well as traditional Pakistani arts and crafts.

The visitors were served fresh Pakistani mangoes, mango shakes and juices, tea, coffee, and traditional Pakistani street food.

A cake-cutting ceremony was held which was attended by senior officials from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), diplomats and other guests.

In his remarks, High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said the festival would help promote Pakistani mangoes in the Australian market.

He said the High Commission was working with the local authorities to make the Pakistan Mango Festival a regular feature of Canberra’s cultural scene.

He also spoke about different varieties of Pakistani mangoes and the 4,000 year old history of growing mangoes in areas that today form Pakistan.

The visitors appreciated the Pakistani mangoes for their unique aroma, taste, and sweetness.