Murshidabad, a district in West Bengal with a deep-rooted connection to its cultural past, is currently hosting the Ajeemganj Mango Festival. Running from June 1st to June 30th, the festival is organized by the Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and House of Sheherwali. This year marks the 10th edition of the festival, which celebrates the diverse and historically significant mangoes of the region.

Murshidabad, once the seat of the Nawabs, boasts a rich tradition of cultivating unique mango cultivars. Many of these varieties are named after historical figures and events, reflecting the region's close ties to its past. Pradip Chopra, President of the MHDS, notes that the festival will showcase the city's famed "Nawabi mangoes," offering a blend of taste and heritage.

The Ajeemganj Mango Festival highlights the historical importance of mangoes in the region, particularly the encouragement of mango cultivation and cross-breeding by Mughal Emperor Akbar, which led to the development of numerous varieties. India is the largest producer of mangoes with over 500 varieties, and Murshidabad alone is home to around 150 types of mangoes.

Some of the notable mango varieties of Murshidabad include:

• Kohitoor: A cross between the extinct Kalopahar and another unnamed variety, it is prized for its unique flavor. It is considered the most delicate and sensitive of all mangoes, so fragile that it must be hand-picked.
• Nawab Pasand: This juicy mango is named after a Nawab's favorite.
• Inayat Pasand: Named after Enaet Khan, a jagirdar who admired and patronized this variety, it carries a legacy of royal favor. It is a medium-sized mango with thin skin, juicy flesh, and a rich, flavorful pulp.
• Ranipasand: This variety is named after the Nawab's favorite wife and is known for its early maturing, sweet flesh, and yellow skin when ripe.
• Champa: This mango variety holds a place of pride in Murshidabad's mango heritage and is known for its fragrant, golden-yellow flesh that carries the distinct aroma of the Champa flower.
• Bimli: Named after a maid employed by Mir Jafar.
• Anaras: Known for its pineapple-like flavor.
• Saranga: Dedicated to the sarangi players in the Nawab's haveli.
• Gulabkhas: Possesses a subtle rose fragrance.
• Mohanbhog: This mango, cherished in Murshidabad, derives its name from Hindu tradition and is offered to Lord Krishna as a sacred fruit.
• Peyarafuli: Features a guava-like flavor.
• Kishanbhog: Distinguished by its soft, creamy texture and hints of pineapple.
• Chandankosa: Carries a soothing sandalwood fragrance.

Other prominent varieties produced in the Murshidabad area include Himsagar, Langra, and Lakshmanbhog, as well as historically significant Nawab-era gems like Bhawani, Rani, Bhabani, Molamjam and Shahdulla. Himsagar is a fibreless mango with soft, saffron-yellow pulp and is harvested only for a few weeks in May and June.

Guests staying at the House of Sheherwali can enjoy a daily mango trail, visiting local orchards to hand-pick and taste mangoes directly from the trees and later savor seasonal mangoes with serene Ganga views. All visitors are invited to explore mango orchards, delve into the fruit's history and cultivation, and discover rare local varieties, celebrating Murshidabad's vibrant mango heritage at Ajeemganj.