KFB members were recently found sampling delectable mangoes at the Mango Haat that was organised by ITC Sonar in association with Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and iLead. Numerous varieties of the fruit from Murshidabad were on display, in their original form and also as part of finger food and desserts. Guests sampled a variety of bruschettas, canapes, chutneys, cakes, desserts and even sushi made with mango as the core ingredient. The evening, however, was much more than sampling mangoes. It was an evening all of us took back a captivating history lesson. It was also the first time I heard of the ‘Sheherwali’ community.
Read Antara Ray's experience HERE
"Where am I?" - I was certainly lost, sinking deep into the rich history of Bengal..the history that is certainly not restricted to pages of the dreaded textbooks but has found it's true manifestation through the luscious gems that it has left behind. And there you go, a fascinating 'look-back' into an era that not only depicted 'prominence' but gifted us some of the best breed of mangoes and it's associated cuisines? - I would take that any day. Mr Pradip Chopra, President of Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) and Chairman iLead, through his comprehensive presentation on the "Mangoes of Murshidabad", ensured that the connoisseurs had a first hand feeler of 'royal taste' in true sense of the term. History has always been a fascinating subject, but then the interest level increases manifold when you can draw a synergy between the present and the past- the past that revealed itself on the giant screen and the present, in form of some delightful mango-cuisines, that were 'presented' with 'utmost care'. 

Read more about Sammya Brata Mallik's experience HERE...

Murshidabad, the city in the western tract of Bengal (known as Rarh), on the bank of Bhagirathi has a  glorious past that with time shaped India's history. Its home to many medieval architecture, grand palaces, intricately worked tombs, exquisite gardens and some beautiful handicraft that is treasured by the whole nation. 

These are facts that are well known to everybody but what nobody knew till date is, The numerous rare, exotic and exquisite varieties of mangoes owned by this land, found no where else but in Murshidabad. The nawab's of Murshidabad were connoisseurs of mangoes and it is said that during the era of Akbar, Murshidabad's orchard had more than 200 varieties of mangoes. Though they are getting extincted day by day still the taste, texture, flavour of Murshidabdi mangoes are unmatched by that from the other parts of India. 

Read Sayantani Mahapatra's Experience HERE...


Have you heard of Bimli, which carries a classic legend direct from the enchanting history from the Nawabs’ era. During the rule of Mir Jafar, a maid called Bimli worked hard in the leisure garden of the Nawab. While being pleased with her work the Nawab named a new verity of mango that was being cultivating in his garden “Bimli’. Yes Bimli is the name of one of the sweetest and fleshy Mangoes that Murshidabad takes the pride of cultivating it.  Or what about Kohitoor the most legendary Nawabi Mango from Hakim Aga Mohammadi Bagh which would only pluck by hands and would be kept wrapped in cotton wool to keep it fresh. After every 12 hours, the mango has to change its position to ripe uniformly and should be cut with a sharp bamboo wedge but not by a knife. 

More of Kamalika Chakraborty's experience HERE...


Murshidaba, the erstwhile seat of the Bengal Nawabs, has always inspired in me a sort of reverent fascination, while triggering a kind of melancholy nostalgia. To me, the hoary arches, the magnificent domes, the intricate temple carvings and the majestic palaces of this historic city all seem to narrate an exciting tale of past grandeur, but one that gives way to a heart-wrenching story of stripped glory, hatred, treason and misfortune. The shameful tale of how the mellifluous melody of the sitar and sarangi was silenced by the deadly blare of cannon fire and the mighty pride of the Nawab throttled and stripped, the ignoble assaults on the city’s soul, of treacherous friends, gory murders and unashamed gluttony, is a tale that sends down a chill down your spine.

More of Priyadarshini's experience HERE...