Delhiites to get Yamuna cruise after monsoon, religious tourism circuit in works: Minister

New Delhi: Delhiites will get to ride an international-standard cruise on the Yamuna after the monsoon season, while a Religious Tourism Circuit is also being developed to boost tourism in the capital, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said on Friday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 35th Annual Mango Festival at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, Mishra said, "Delhi is being transformed from a transit city into a major tourist destination. A Religious Tourism Circuit is being developed to promote spiritual tourism."

The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation has launched double-decker bus services, while the Delhi Darshan bus service has also been revived, he said.


"Following the monsoon season, an international-standard cruise experience on the Yamuna River will also be introduced for residents and tourists," he added.

The minister said the circuit is aimed at promoting spiritual tourism, while the double-decker sightseeing buses and the revived Delhi Darshan service are expected to improve visitors' access to major attractions.

He said these projects will strengthen the national capital's tourism profile and attract more domestic and foreign visitors.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the three-day festival, organised by the Delhi Tourism Department, in the presence of Cabinet ministers Kapil Mishra, Ashish Sood and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

The festival will remain open at Dilli Haat, Janakpuri, from noon to 9 pm until July 5, according to a statement.

Addressing the gathering, Gupta said mango is not only the "King of Fruits" but also a symbol of India's cultural identity, closely associated with family traditions and childhood memories.

She said bringing together hundreds of mango varieties from different states at one venue is an important initiative to promote India's agricultural diversity.

Referring to "mango diplomacy", Gupta said Indian mangoes have strengthened the country's cultural and diplomatic relations because of their quality and global popularity.

More than 400 varieties, including Husnara, Rataul, Ramkela, Kesar, Mallika, Amrapali, Fazli and Hathi Jhool, have been showcased. Some mangoes are as small as grapes while others are as large as papayas, highlighting the extraordinary diversity of mangoes grown across India, the statement stated.

It said growers from several states are participating alongside agricultural universities, research institutions, government departments and farmer organisations.

The festival also features the popular "Sau Hai Daam, Jitne Khao Aam" challenge, where participants pay Rs 100 and eat as many mangoes as they can. Separate mango-eating competitions for men and women have also been organised, it stated.

Visitors can purchase fresh mangoes, processed mango products and mango saplings at the venue. Cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, artisan displays, a dedicated children's zone, selfie points and food stalls have also been arranged, making the festival a family-oriented attraction, it added.