Celebrate the King of Fruits in Delhi
July marks the grand finale of the mango season, and there's no better place to celebrate it than at the International Mango Festival in Delhi. Typically held in early July at venues like Dilli Haat, this annual event is a paradise for fruit lovers. Organised
by Delhi Tourism, it showcases an astonishing variety of mangoes from across the country—sometimes over 1,100 different types. Visitors can indulge in mango tasting sessions, watch mango carving demonstrations, and enjoy cultural performances. Beyond just sampling the fruit, you can savour countless mango-based dishes, from pickles and jams to elaborate desserts, making it a truly immersive experience dedicated to India's favourite summer fruit.
Embrace the Monsoon with Street Food Feasts
There's an undeniable connection between rainy weather and a craving for hot, savoury snacks. Hotels and restaurants across the country tap into this sentiment by hosting monsoon food festivals. For instance, cities like Bengaluru have seen events like the "Monsoon Express – A Street Food Journey,” celebrating classic railway station snacks. These festivals bring beloved street foods like Vada Pav, samosas, kachoris, and roasted corn (bhutta) under one roof, often with a nostalgic theme. Similarly, many restaurants in Mumbai and Delhi introduce special monsoon menus featuring everything from an assortment of pakoras with chai to comforting broths and global classics adapted for the season.
Savour the Prized Hilsa in West Bengal
For seafood lovers, the monsoon brings a special treat: the Hilsa, or Ilish. This period is the peak season for the fish, and West Bengal celebrates it with great enthusiasm through numerous Ilish Utsavs (Hilsa Festivals). These festivals are particularly popular in the Sundarbans, where they combine culinary indulgence with eco-tourism. From mid-July through September, you can join tours that offer a stunning variety of Hilsa preparations, such as the iconic Shorshe Ilish (cooked in mustard gravy), Bhapa Ilish (steamed), and Ilish Paturi (steamed in banana leaves). These festivals offer a unique chance to enjoy fresh catches while experiencing the serene, rain-kissed beauty of the mangrove forests.
Indulge in the Sweetness of Teej
The festival of Teej, which often falls in late July or early August, is celebrated with immense fervour in North Indian states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. While it's a festival of swings, henna, and green attire, food plays a central role in the celebrations. Teej is synonymous with Ghevar, a disc-shaped sweet with a honeycomb texture that is soaked in sugar syrup. This seasonal dessert requires the humidity of the monsoon to achieve its perfect spongy texture. Alongside Ghevar, the festive spread often includes other delicacies like malpua, kheer, and various savoury snacks, making it a delightful culinary event that marks the joy of the season.
Explore Regional and Themed Pop-Ups
July is also a month where many high-end restaurants and hotel chains host special culinary events and pop-ups, bringing unique flavours to different cities. For example, you might find a celebration of royal Awadhi and Hyderabadi cuisines at a hotel in Gurugram, showcasing traditional slow-cooked meats and aromatic biryanis. In Jammu, a festival might bring together the rich traditions of Mughlai and Hyderabadi food. Other pan-India events could celebrate international cuisines with a local twist, like a Mexican-themed 'Mela Mexicana' at SOCIAL outlets across the country. These limited-time festivals provide an excellent opportunity for foodies to explore diverse and expertly curated menus without having to travel far.
