The Murshidabad Mango Festival 2026, a month-long immersive celebration honoring the district’s renowned Nawabi mangoes, culinary heritage, and orchard culture, is being held this summer by the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and House of Sheherwali.

Travelers, foodies, and heritage enthusiasts are invited to experience some of India’s rarest heirloom mango varieties during the festival, which takes place in the historic town of Azimganj. Many of these varieties are exclusive to the centuries-old orchards of Murshidabad.

More than 150 mango cultivars, each with tales of royalty, trade, and tradition, can be found in Murshidabad, the former capital of the Nawabs of Bengal. These mangoes are best eaten straight from the orchard, unlike those that are transported commercially. The real taste of a mango can only be found in the orchard, according to the locals.

Visitors will stroll through verdant mango groves, pick fruits by hand from trees, and enjoy freshly cut mangoes at their best in terms of flavor and aroma. The festival features a remarkable assortment of heritage mangoes, such as Kohitoor, the most sought-after, uncommon, and incredibly flavorful mango among the Nawabs, valued for its aroma of saffron; Bimli: Small, thin-skinned, and extremely sweet; The “queen” of the region’s mangoes, Rani is floral and juicy; Bhavani is rich, fiberless pulp with a lingering aftertaste; Kala Pahar, named for the renowned general, is deep-colored and flavorful; Sarandhra is an early-harvest variety that is tart, sweet, and refreshing; and many more.

Aam Panna, Kacha Aam Kheer, mango chutneys, mango sandesh, pickles, sherbets, and seasonal farm-to-table meals are among the traditional mango treats made from ancient Sheherwali recipes that visitors can savor.

House of Sheherwali is more than just a place to stay; it’s India’s first museum hotel, a renovated heritage mansion that honors the history of the Sheherwali Jain merchant community in Murshidabad. Stories of Bengal’s Nawabi era, regional craftsmanship, river trade, architecture, and sustainable living customs are told in each courtyard, gallery, and room.

Orchard visits, carefully chosen Sheherwali meals, cultural events, and free transportation from Azimganj Railway Station are all included in the specially designed 2-day/2-night or 3-day/2-night immersive festival packages. The Vande Bharat Express, which connects Howrah to Azimganj in just 2.5 hours, and convenient overnight express train services from Kolkata make it easier than ever to get to Murshidabad.

The Murshidabad Mango Festival 2026 will be held from June 1 to June 30, 2026, at House of Sheherwali, Azimganj, inviting visitors from across the country to experience the rare royal mangoes of Murshidabad in their original orchard setting. Guests are urged to reserve their spots in advance for this unique heritage and culinary experience, as there are only a few festival stay packages available.

For reservations and details, contact House of Sheherwali at 9831214568 or 9382126631.

Priyanka Dutta