By Abdul Rahman M. Baig
JEDDAH: The Consulate General of India in Jeddah hosted a vibrant “India’s Wellness and Flavors“ evening at the Park Hyatt Hotel, bringing together senior Saudi officials, diplomats, business leaders, members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India to celebrate the country’s timeless wellness traditions and world-renowned mango heritage.
The event blended India’s ancient philosophy of holistic well-being with its rich agricultural legacy, highlighting Yoga as a universal way of life while showcasing the diversity and global appeal of premium Indian mangoes. It also reflected India’s growing cultural diplomacy and expanding agri-trade partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Senior dignitaries from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Media, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Saudi Yoga Committee, Jeddah Chamber, Makkah Chamber, Indian business leaders and community members attended the celebration.
Welcoming the gathering, Consul General of India H.E. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri said the event was designed as a celebration of wellness, mindful living, family participation, friendship and the deep cultural and commercial ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Red Sea and the iconic King Fahad Fountain, the program combined the observance of International Day of Yoga 2026 with the Indian Mango Trail, offering guests a unique cultural experience.
Addressing the audience, the Consul General underlined the importance of healthy living, preventive healthcare and holistic well-being across all age groups. “Yoga reminds us that healthy ageing begins with the choices we make every day,” he said, referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” He noted that Yoga, which originated in India, has today evolved into a global practice embraced across nationalities, cultures and generations.
Mr. Suri expressed particular satisfaction that the event had been designed as a family-friendly celebration, encouraging participation by children, parents and elders alike. “A few minutes of mindful breathing, stretching, movement or silence can help us manage stress, improve focus and bring a sense of calm to our busy lives. That is the true beauty of Yoga,” he said.
He also highlighted the Consulate’s extensive Yoga outreach across Saudi Arabia’s western region, including programs organized in Najran, Jizan, Asir, Tabuk and other cities with the support of Indian community organizationsand local partners. He acknowledged the significant contribution of the Saudi Yoga Committee in promoting awareness of Yoga across the Kingdom.
Indian Mangoes Take Centre Stage
One of the evening’s biggest attractions was the Indian Mango Trail, where guests sampled some of India’s finest mango varieties, including Chausa, Daseri and Langda, showcasing the country’s rich horticultural diversity and growing international reputation for premium-quality fruit.
The culinary presentation featured an impressive selection of mango-inspired delicacies prepared by the chefs of LuLu Hypermarket, including fresh mangoes, mango lassi, mango falooda, salads, pickles, pastries, tarts and mango kunafa, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of India’s favourite fruit.
Guests Praise the Initiative Business leaders, community representatives and guests appreciated the unique combination of wellness, culture and cuisine.
Mazen Batterjee, Chairman of Batterjee Holding Company, President of Batterjee Pharma and former President of the Saudi Indian Business Network, thanked the Consul General for organising the event.
Calling himself a passionate admirer of Indian mangoes, he said Alphonso, Langda and Himayat varieties remain favourites in his family. Recalling earlier mango festivals organised by the Consulate, he expressed confidence that India-Saudi Arabia relations would continue to grow stronger.
Nousheen Waseem from the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation described the programme as refreshing and meaningful.
“The Yoga, mindfulness and healthy living sessions reminded me to slow down and care for both body and mind. The mango festival added a sweet taste of home and beautifully blended wellness with culture,” she said.
Public relations consultant Zainab Bajamal said many participants were pleasantly surprised to learn about Yoga’s Indian origins.
“The event helped people better understand Yoga’s authentic roots while highlighting its physical and mental health benefits. The display of Indian mangoes was simply irresistible,” she remarked.
Aziz Ur Rab, Chairman of the Indian Business Professionals Network (IBPN), said the programmesuccessfully combined fitness with India’s rich culinary traditions.
“The pairing of Yoga and the King of Fruits made for a memorable evening celebrating wellness and cultural richness. It was also an excellent opportunity to discuss future community and business initiatives with the Consul General,” he said.
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Saleem, Chairman of the Telangana International Association, described the Mango Festival as a celebration of India’s cultural roots. “The event reminded us of home, our traditions and the simple joys associated with India’s diverse mango varieties. Alongside it, the Yoga programme reinforced the importance of physical health, mental peace and overall well-being. It was heartening to see families participating together,” he said. He also thanked the Consul General and the Consulate team for promoting Indian culture and community welfare, while reaffirming the Telangana International Association’s continued support for such initiatives.
Zakariya Biladi, Founder and CEO of Marketing Support Services, highlighted the event’s economic significance alongside its cultural value. He noted that Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s largest importers of Indian mangoes, importing nearly 1.02 lakh metric tonnesannually, while India’s fresh mango exports reached nearly 29,938 metric tonnes valued at US$56.5 million during FY 2024-25. Saudi Arabia also continues to be the largest destination for Indian mango pulp exports.
He observed that with Saudi Arabia importing billions of dollars’ worth of Indian food products every year, mangoes represent a significant opportunity for expanding agricultural trade under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 food security and retail development goals.
Strengthening People to People Bonds
Blending wellness, gastronomy and cultural heritage, India – Wellness & Flavors served as an effective platform for promoting India’s soft power while reinforcing the steadily expanding strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.
The event also reflected the Consulate General of India’s continued commitment to strengthening people-to-people connections, promoting Indian culture and creating new opportunities for cultural exchange, business engagement and agricultural cooperation between the two friendly nations.
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