Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s references to two of eastern Uttar Pradesh’s most cherished summer delights — Banarasi langra mango and sattu lassi — struck an emotional chord with listeners in Varanasi during the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. The mention of these regional favourites drew enthusiastic applause and chants of “Har Har Mahadev” from those gathered to listen to the programme in the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency.Similar enthusiasm swept through the audience when the PM highlighted sattu lassi, a traditional summer drink popular across eastern Uttar Pradesh.Speaking about indigenous beverages and seasonal foods that help people cope with the scorching summer heat and humidity, Modi drew attention to regional favourites such as aam panna, made from raw mangoes, and sattu sherbet, popularly known as sattu lassi in eastern UP. His references to these local staples struck a chord with residents of Varanasi and neighbouring districts, who greeted the mention with visible pride and excitement.Describing these traditional drinks as timeless treasures of Indian households, Modi said they not only provide relief from the heat but also nourish the body and replenish energy. “It is simply amazing how they satisfy hunger and provide strength,” he said, adding that although such beverages may lack large-scale branding, they carry the wisdom and experience of generations. He urged people to embrace and enjoy these indigenous summer refreshments during the season.The excitement among listeners reached another high point when the Prime Minister turned to the celebrated langra mango of Kashi, a variety synonymous with Varanasi’s horticultural heritage. Listing some of India’s most cherished mango varieties, Modi affectionately remarked, “My Kashi’s langra.” He noted the unique characteristic of the fruit — that unlike most mangoes, the langra often retains its green colour even after fully ripening.The PM also gave a special mention to other renowned Uttar Pradesh varieties, including the iconic dussehri mango. Reflecting on the diversity of India’s mango landscape, he observed that with every change in region, the fruit’s appearance, colour and flavour undergo a transformation, creating a rich tapestry of tastes across the country.Highlighting the growing global appeal of Indian mangoes, Modi said the journey of the fruit now extends from village orchards to international markets. He lauded mango cultivators for their contribution to the nation’s agricultural economy, telling them, “You are not just ordinary farmers; you are invaluable contributors to India’s agricultural strength. May you continue to prosper and shine.”Scores of BJP functionaries led by city chief Pradeep Agrahari gathered BJP’s Gulab Bagh office to listen to the Mann Ki Baat. BJP Kashi Kshetra vice-president (Backward Class Morcha) Anup Jaiswal hosted party workers at Kodai Chawki for Mann Ki Baat and also celebrated the birth anniversary of 18th century Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
