For most Indians, mangoes are not just a fruit, they are a summertime beloved staple. In many households, bowls of mangoes are showcased prominently near the dining table almost like a decorative centerpiece. This love for mangoes is also reflected in specific celebrations such as the Mango Festival that takes place yearly in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where there is an exquisite display of various mango varieties.
Yearly, the same fairs are conducted across India, showcasing not only the amazing variety of the country’s mangoes, but also local pride, agricultural heritage, and the country’s shared passion for the fruit.
From Celebration to Chaos
Yet this year’s Lucknow festival made headlines and social media buzz for some that were anything but festive. What was meant to be a festive celebration turned unexpected when mobs grew rowdy, with individuals spotted wildly ‘looting’ mangoes. Partygoers filled the fruit into bags, clothes, and whatever else they could find.
A video of the chaos has since gone viral, sharing fast on platforms. Based on reports, the gleeful crowd soon lost all decorum, disregarding the event’s propriety to pick up mangoes in a chaotic frenzy. The clip clearly depicts individuals scooping up mangoes as if there were no rules to follow.
Online Reactions
The online viral video has produced a combination of responses. Although there were social media users who found the situation amusing, others were much more vitriolic. One commenter directly noted, “These are the same people who’d steal your vehicle and jewellery if you had an accident rather than provide you with first aid.”
Meanwhile, another user laughed it off, saying, “Haha, classic mango madness! When supply is limited, demand goes wild.” A third added, “Next time, they’ll probably keep all the mangoes behind toughened glass showcases.”
And in typical internet fashion, someone else quipped sarcastically, “I’m surprised they didn’t steal the plates, tables, tablecloths, chairs, tents, and poles too!”