Pakistan Embassy in Washington organizes Annual Mango Festival

The Pakistani Embassy in Washington hosted its annual Mango Festival, a landmark cultural event that attracted hundreds of Americans, members of the US administration, lawmakers and their staff, diplomats, the think tank community, and the Pakistani-American community.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistani Embassy in Washington on Friday, guests experienced Pakistani culture and cuisine, with the aroma of ripe mangoes being a central part of the celebration.

The event featured Pakistani mango varieties including Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol and Sindhri. The embassy said mangoes were served in creative forms, condiments and drinks, along with cultural performances, traditional music and displays of Pakistani heritage, it added.

Congressman Ryan Zinke of Montana, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and former US Navy SEAL, addressed the meeting, the embassy said.

“The relationship between the United States government and Pakistan, in my opinion, has never been better,” said Congressman Zinke.

“I think our relationship as countries and as people has never been better,” said Rep. Zinke.

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, welcoming guests to the annual event, described Pakistani mangoes as the “fruit of passion that symbolizes deepening ties,” according to the press release.

“The Pakistani mango,” said the ambassador, “has no comparison. It stands out by far in terms of flavor.”

“As an undeniable demonstration of our diplomatic and defense capabilities, the taste of our mangoes is also a testament to our agricultural tradition and prowess,” the ambassador said.

“Let us today celebrate the best of the taste of Pakistan…the taste of the deepening friendship between our two countries,” the ambassador said.

The ambassador also invited the guests to experience Pakistani cultural performances and open-air ‘Dhol’ drumming, he added.

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The statement further added that a special video featuring a cultural fusion project that reimagines the United States National Anthem in traditional Pakistani musical styles was played during the event.

“The project was produced as a tribute to the Pakistani-American community; it combines American patriotism with Pakistan’s rich melodic heritage to commemorate two important milestones, the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 79 years of diplomatic friendship between the United States and Pakistan,” the statement added.

The embassy said that “the Mango Festival underscores people-to-people ties and the growing economic and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States.” He added that attendees took away memories of the flavors, aromas and friendship associated with the annual celebration.