Mangoes in Indian Culture: Stories, Cuisine & Traditions

Namaste Ji! 

Mangoes are an inseparable part of my life since my early childhood.

Each summer, our home would be filled with the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes. 

The entire family would gather to enjoy this delicious fruit in various forms.

In our orchards, we would pluck the juiciest mangoes and savor them right under the shade of the trees. 

My grandmother often spoke of mangoes as not just fruits but symbols of prosperity and joy.

As a homemaker for over 30 years, I have found great joy in turning mangoes into pickles.

It is a tradition that connected me to my roots and brought smiles to my family's faces. 

In 2020, I decided to turn this passion into a venture, and that's how JhaJi Store was born.

When I was a little girl, my evenings were often spent sitting in the courtyard with my grandparents.

Those times were magical.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow over our mango orchards, my grandfather would begin telling stories.

"Kalpana," he would say, "do you know that mangoes are not just fruits but a treasure from our ancestors?"

He went on to tell me how mangoes have been cherished in India for thousands of years.

Our ancestors believed that mangoes were gifts from the gods, meant to bring joy and prosperity to our lives.

As I grew older, I realized that references to mangoes go back all the way to the Vedic ages.

As I read I was astonished at how the tree and fruit were rewarded and appreciated in ancient texts.

It is believed that when the great churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) by Deva and Danava was done to derive nectar, many gems were derived.

Mango tree also came along with Parijat (परिजात), Kalpvriksha (कल्पवृक्ष) , and Vata (वट) Tree.

Mango Tree itself is regarded as Phalottama (फलोत्तम - फल + उत्तम), which means the best fruit in ancient Indian scriptures.

In my in-law's courtyard, there are two very old mango trees. Once I remember I asked my father-in-law about them. He smiled and said these trees arrived earlier than you came into this house as a bride. I was confused.

He said, “These are Amrapali mango trees and these were given by your father to me when I visited them.” I was curious about the name Amrapali now, then he told me a particular story about Amrapali and Lord Buddha.

The blessed one, Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha, was sitting under the Mango tree in the most beautiful grove of Vaishali.

The Amrapali grove which was stacked by Mango trees is the latest stop point of Lord Buddha in his journey to Dhamma.

It was donated to him by the lady of utmost beauty Ambapali or Amrapali.

She is the most popular and renowned lady of Vaishali.

But this fame came with a cost, the cost of being the Nagarvadhu of Vaishali.

Once a resident of the city found a beautiful girl under the mango tree and named her Amrapali which translates as "Amra" (meaning mango) and "Pallawa" (meaning tiny sprouts or leaves).

He adopted the little wonder and left the city with her to not become the Nagarvadhu.

But as fate was already decided, Amrapali arrived back in the city and soon took the position of Nagarvadhu. Nagarvadhu is the position given to the most beautiful women of the state.

She needs to be unmarried throughout her life and dance and sing for only royals.

Nagarvadhu was the royal courtesan who was not allowed to love anyone.

Now this tag was her identity. At the start, she was enjoying it, but as time passed, the luxury, the fame started haunting her. And now Shakyamuni entered the city. Amrapali had heard the discussion and wished to witness the Blessed One.

She offered her mango grove to Gautam Budhha to stay, which the wise one accepted and chose for his stop.

She was listening to his discourses and started losing her affection for fame and luxury. She found comfort in the thoughts of Budhha.

One day, she came near to him, sat lower to him, and folded her hand. She was different that day. She was ready for the renouncement. She asked the blessed one for the Dhamma. Buddha opened his eyes and mercifully initiated the Nagarvadhu to the path of Dhamma.

Amrapali the Nagavadhu is now the Monk, She was in peace. Budhha stood up and left for the next place.

This story holds me like anything, I was awestruck while he was narrating it. I was still with the thoughts of Amrapali, till he broke the cycle of my thoughts and said.

Kalpana, do you know ? In 1978, Indian mango researchers hybridized the Dasheri and Neelum mango varieties to create a new mango.

They found this variety so amusing that they named it Amrapali in her honor.

They found the Mango variety so beautiful that they decided to name the Mango Amrapali.

As mango was the strong backdrop of Amrapali’s story, later texts also used it for a fair representation like When I came across the works of Kalidas, one of the most renowned dramatists of the Indian subcontinent from the 4th century AD . He used mango and mango trees as a great backdrop in narrating his plays and poems.

His Most renowned work “Abhigyanam Shakuntalam” mentions the conversation between two maids, and one maid mentions "Do you know that cuckoo goes crazy with delight when she sees the Mango blossom?”

My grandmother once elaborated to me the depiction of Kamdev, how the god of Love uses the mango blossoms as his arrows to ignite passion and love.

This imagery always amused me and made me look at mango blossoms with a new perspective.

These stories made me feel that mangoes are special. Not just because they are delicious, but because they also have these spiritual connections.

As we continue our journey, let's step into the grand courts of medieval India. 

This was a time when mangoes were not just fruits but symbols of royalty and luxury.

My father, who was fond of history, would often tell us stories about how this Indian fruit made the medieval rulers drool over.

Started with Babur who was the first Mughal ruler who loved relishing the melons from the Middle East. 

When he arrived in India and Mangoes were introduced to him, he was hooked to them at such a level that it motivated him to capture Delhi so he could relish as much as he could.

He mentions in his biography “Baburnama” about his love and admiration of MangoesHe also mentioned Akbar’s admiration for this fruit. 

He was so profound that he planted over 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga, later this area became famous with the name Lakhi Bagh.This orchard became legendary, and people from far and wide would come to see it.

Another story that my father loved to tell was about Emperor Jahangir, Akbar's son. Jahangir was so fond of mangoes that he once mentioned 

“WITHSTANDING THE SWEETNESS OF THE KABUL FRUITS, 

NOT ONE OF THEM HAS, TO MY TASTE, 

THE FLAVOUR OF THE MANGO”.

It was a matter of great pride for the farmers to have their mangoes selected for the emperor’s table.These mangoes were so exquisite that Jahangir wrote about them in his memoirs, praising their unparalleled taste.

These stories always made me imagine the royal courts filled with the sweet aroma of mangoes and the emperor savoring each bite with delight.

Mangoes also found their way into the art and poetry of the Mughal period. Poets would often write verses in praise of the mango, celebrating its beauty and sweetness.

The famous poet Amir Khusro once described the mango as the "Nectar of the Gods." Such poetic tributes reflect the deep affection and reverence that people had for this fruit.

During this time, mangoes became symbols of friendship and diplomacy. It was common for rulers to exchange baskets of the finest mangoes as gifts, signifying goodwill and respect.

These gestures were not just about sharing fruit but about sharing a piece of their culture and heritage.

These stories from the past connect us to our history and remind us of the timeless charm of the mango.

As I think about these tales, I am reminded of how much care and effort we put into our mango pickles at JhaJi Store. Each jar is a tribute to the rich legacy of mangoes in India.

Just as the Mughals experimented with flavors, we too strive to create the perfect blend of spices and mangoes, bringing a taste of royalty to your table.

These royal stories and traditions show how deeply mangoes are an important part of our culture. From the grand courts of the Mughals to our humble kitchens, mangoes continue to bring joy and delight to our lives.

As I read One of the most renowned poets of the Indian subcontinent, Ghalib , I found that he too was a great fan of mango as he writes in his letter that he has tasted about 63 varieties of mangoes, and he also mentions this fruit in his poems too. Once he writes

Mujhse Poocho, Tumhein Khabar kya hai

Aam ke aage Neyshakar kya hai…

Ya ye hoga ke Fart-e-Rafa’at se

Baagh-Baanoñ ne Baagh-e-Jannat se

Angabeeñ ke, Ba Hukm-E Rabb-in-Naas 

Bhar ke Bheje Haiñ sar-ba-mohr gilaas

[Ask me! for what do you know? a mango is far sweeter than sugarcane… perhaps from the great heights above the gardeners of heaven’s orchards have sent, by the order of God wine filled in sealed glasses]

William Dalrymple mentions this incident in a book about a time when Ghalib was asked to spell out his eating preferences. Ghalib’s response to mangoes was:

AAM MEETHE HO… AUR BOHOT SE HO! (LET THERE BE SWEET MANGOES, AND IN PLENTY!)

In the previous chapter as I mentioned about Aam Panna which my mother used to make for us to combat the scorching heat.

It’s not only Aam Panna, but many more delicacies made out of Mango which reach the plates.

As Mango is such a versatile ingredient that Khansamas and chefs have done a lot of experiments over the period in the kitchen. From my kitchen to the kitchen of Royals, Mangoes were common.

1000’s of dishes have been invented and the process is in continuation, here are some of the Dishes I heard, saw on YouTube or other social media about, and loved

#1 Aamras: The Essence of Mango

I still remember that when I visited Mumbai for Shark Tank India, I tried Aamras. It is one of the most iconic mango dishes from Maharashtra and Gujarat is Aamras. This simple yet heavenly preparation celebrates the pure, unadulterated flavor of ripe mangoes.


Aamras, literally means the juice/nectar of mango. It is essentially mango pulp blended with a bit of sugar and sometimes flavored with cardamom or saffron. In Gujarat it is traditionally served with puris (deep-fried bread).

#2 Mango Lassi: Punjab's Cooling Elixir

From the northern state of Punjab comes the refreshing Mango Lassi, a popular summer drink that combines the creaminess of yogurt with the sweetness of mangoes. This beverage is surely a big Hit in foreign countries being a coolant after eating the spicy meal.

#3 Mango Kulfi: Traditional Indian Ice Cream

I love Mango and I love Kulfi too, So Mango Kulfi is my instant favorite. Kulfi, which is a traditional Indian ice cream, becomes even more indulgent with the addition of mango. Rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful, Mango Kulfi is a must-try dessert during mango season.

#4 Mango Kesari

This is the recipe I found on facebook shorts and tried at my home. Kesari is Similar to north India’s Halwa and sheera. And when it meets Mango it becomes Mango Kesari. It is a golden symphony of semolina, ghee, and sweetness of mango, weaving a tantalizing melody of flavors and textures. With its vibrant color and rich aroma, each spoonful of this dessert whispers the essence of mango season.

#5 Aam Panna: The Tangy Summer Cooler

This drink still holds fond memories of my childhood as I mentioned earlier. Aam Panna is a tangy and refreshing drink made from raw mangoes. This beverage, known for its cooling properties, is not only delicious but also helps in preventing heat strokes and dehydration.

#6 Mango Pickle: A Staple in Indian Kitchens

Mango pickle, or Aam ka Achaar, is one of the most important condiments found in almost every Indian household.

It adds a burst of flavor and spice to meals and is made using raw mangoes, a variety of spices, and oil. Each region in India has its own version of mango pickle, with varying spice levels and flavor profiles. We at Jhaji stores are preserving the 100’s years old heritage of this cuisine. Preparing it to reach your plate.

Do you know that in our journey of last 3 years, two most favorite pickles are mango pickles, here you can taste them your own

#7 Mango Rice: A Flavorful South Indian Dish

Once when surfing youtube I came across Karnataka-style Mavinakayi Chitranna or Mango Rice. It is a symphony of tangy raw mango, aromatic spices, lentils, fluffy rice, and more. It has a vibrant hue and refreshing zing and adds freshness to your plate.

I am sure that while going through this delicious list, a specific dish made of mango might come to mind.

Which mango dish is that?

Tell us in a comment or tag us @jhajistore on Social Media to let us know.

I was fortunate enough that I traveled a bit of this beautiful country, traveling from the vast Ganga Jamuna Doab to crossing the Kaveri. 

I found the love of mango to be unparalleled in each state, people wait for the season. 

I found that every region has its own stories and Mango.

Yes, Mangoes differ from region to region in their taste, color, and texture. With nearly 1,500 varieties of mangoes grown across the country, about 1,000 of these are commercial varieties. However, only about 15 varieties are grown on a large scale which I heard of.

#1 Malda (Bombai) Mango

From Bihar and West Bengal, Malda, (also known as Bombai) is medium-sized and green.This mango variety has some subcategories too like Dudhiya Maalda.

Though its fruit and keeping quality are medium, it is valued for its early season harvest.

In Mithilanchal This mango variety is used for pickle making, due to its texture and early availability.

We at JhaJi Store make great pickle delicacies like Mithila Special Mango pickle and Mango Khatt-Meethi.

#2 Sukul Mango

Found in certain regions of India, Sukul mangoes feature a smooth, Pulpy, and Juicy mango.

It arrives for consumption at the end of the season.

Their uniquely sweet sour flavor makes them a popular choice among mango enthusiasts.

#3 Bijju Mango

We use this variety too in our pickles due to its unique texture.

It is smaller in size and arrives at the end of the season.

Bijju is cultivated in good quantity in the Bihar region.

After ripening, this variety of mango becomes very smooth and pulpy and is relished by children.

#4 Kalkatiya Mango

It is used in kaccha mango achar.

Kalkatiya is an affordable all-purpose variety of mango.

Used in making our kuccha mango and sookha bharua mango. (Link of product)

This is also an early fruit during the season and comes right after malda.

It has a thick peel and does not spoil quickly, because of this, it is used in pickle making.

#5 Sindoori Mango

Sindoori mangoes, with their juicy, fiberless flesh and bold tangy-sweet flavor, are easily recognized by their striking reddish-orange skin.

They’re both visually appealing and delicious.

Due to their sweetness, these mangoes are not used for making Pickles.

#6 Alphonso (Hapus): The King of Mangoes

Originating from Maharashtra, the Alphonso mango is often hailed as the "king" of mangoes. Its rich, creamy texture and intense sweetness make it a coveted variety.

The demand for this mango is huge in foreign countries.

Although I have heard about this mango a lot, due to nonavailability as most of its quantity is exported outside countries I was not able to taste it.

#7 Kesar Mango: The Gujju Delight

I heard about this fruit from my in-laws who are from Gujarat.

They mentioned that this mango hails from Gujarat, the Kesar mango is celebrated for its bright orange hue and tangy-sweet flavor.

The Kesar’s juicy nature and amazing sweetness make it a versatile fruit. It shines as Aamras and is celebrated like a festival in Gujarat.

#8 Dasheri Mango: The Juicy Classic

Dasheri mangoes, from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is very well known for its juicy, succulent flesh and sweet taste.

With a vibrant yellow color when ripe and a smooth texture, Dasheri is a favorite for those who appreciate a classic mango flavor. It is the most commercially available Mango.

#9 Langra Mango: The Tart Punch

Langra mangoes, originating from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, are distinguished by their tartness and rich flavor.

After Dasheri mangoes, these are the most commercially available mangoes.

It tastes slightly sweet and sour.

#10 Banganapalli Mango: The Mild Sweetness

Although I have heard about it a lot but never tested it.

It is From Andhra Pradesh and it is very well renowned for its large size, mild sweetness, and low fiber content.

The smooth, thin skin turns yellow when ripe, revealing a juicy, mildly sweet flesh.

Banganapalli mangoes are perfect for fresh eating or making refreshing juices, making them a popular choice for many.

#11 Totapuri Mango: The Pickle Mango

The Totapuri mango, which are found in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. 

These mangoes are easily recognizable by its parrot-beak shape and greenish-yellow skin. 

Its tangy and slightly sour flavor makes it an ideal candidate for pickles, where its tartness enhances the overall taste. 

Totapuri is also used in salads and chutneys, offering a unique flavor profile.

#12 Himsagar Mango: The Sweet Sensation

West Bengal’s Himsagar mangoes are renowned for their exceptional sweetness and minimal fiber.

With smooth, golden-yellow flesh and a rich, honey-like flavor.

Himsagar is a favorite among mango enthusiasts. Its sweet taste and creamy texture make it perfect for fresh eating and gourmet preparations.

#13 Neelum Mango: The Fragrant Delight

The Neelum mango, found in various regions including Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, is known for its small to medium size and distinctive aroma.

With a sweet, fragrant flesh and a hint of tanginess, Neelum mangoes offer a balanced flavor profile.

Their smooth texture and unique aroma make them a delightful addition to fruit salads and desserts

#14 Chausa Mango: The Sweet Giant

Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are home to the Chausa mango, a large variety with a vibrant yellow-orange skin. 

Known for its incredibly sweet and aromatic flesh, Chausa is often regarded as one of the sweetest mangoes available. 

Its minimal fiber and smooth texture make it ideal for desserts, juices, and enjoying fresh

#15 Imam Pasand Mango: The Unique Flavor

Imam Pasand are originated from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

These mangoes are known for their tangy-sweet flavor and honey-like aroma.

With golden-yellow, smooth flesh, this variety offers a distinctive taste experience.

Which Mango is your favorite, is it the delightful Kesar of Gujarat or the Malda from Bihar? 

Choose as much as you want. Kyunki as Galib said “Aam meethe ho, aur Bahut se ho”

Tell us in a comment or tag us @jhajistore on Social Media to let us know.

As we continue our journey, let's move to a period that brought significant change to the mango’s story. 

Mangoes were no longer just a treasure hidden within the Indian subcontinent.

I remember when I was helping my daughter with her history subject. 

I read more about the arrival of the Portuguese and British in the 15th century and 17th century respectively.

And out of curiosity when I started learning more about their impact on cross culture. 

I learnt how even the name Mango found its origin.

I found that the English name of the fruit originates from the Portuguese manga, which in turn was borrowed from the South Indian Tamil word (m)aam-kay [later, mangay].

The Malayalam word for this delicious fruit is “Maanga” but when the Portuguese came to Kerala, it became “Maango”.

With the arrival of the Portuguese and the British in India, Mangoes found their way to the rest of the world.They developed a profound appreciation for the local delicacies they found here.The Portuguese were absolutely enamored with the fruit.

They took it back to their homeland, and from there, it spread to other parts of Europe. They were instrumental in the development of the Alphonso mango.It is one of the most popular varieties known for its sweetness and rich flavor.

It was named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general. The Alphonso mango quickly gained fame and became a prized possession in Europe.

The British, who came later, also developed a taste for mangoes. They started exporting the fruit to their homeland.

It led to the establishment of large-scale mango plantations in India. This period saw the beginning of commercial mango cultivation. It transformed the way mangoes were grown and traded.

I remember watching a documentary with my children about the British Raj and how it influenced Indian agriculture. One segment showed the meticulous process of packing and shipping mangoes to England.

The British, who were used to apples and pears, found the exotic taste of mangoes irresistible. This newfound love for mangoes in the West helped boost the mango trade and brought Indian mangoes to the global stage.

The colonial period was also a time when mangoes became symbols of cultural exchange. They were featured in various culinary experiments, blending Indian and Western tastes.The British added mango chutney to their culinary repertoire, which soon became a staple in their diet. 

This sweet and spicy condiment was a perfect example of how mangoes bridge cultural divides.

The introduction of Indian mangoes to the Western world boosted their popularity. It also brought about significant advancements in their cultivation and trade.

As I think about this period, I am reminded of the importance of preserving and sharing our culinary heritage.

At JhaJi Store, we aim to maintain the traditional methods of making mango pickles.

We adopt new techniques that can help us make pickles faster without hampering its traditional recipe. This balance of tradition and innovation is what makes our pickles special.

We at Jhaji store are also taking the taste of Mangoes to the world #DarbhangaSeDuniyaTak. 

We are preserving the heritage of great culinary and sharing this with the world.

When I started the JhaJi Store in 2020, one of the first things I wanted to learn was how mangoes are grown today. This not only helped me to choose the best one but also helped me to maintain the continuous supply.

I met with farmers to get a proper idea of how the production, and cultivation have evolved over the period.

I was amazed at the blend of traditional wisdom and modern techniques that farmers use to cultivate this amazing fruit.

My visits to mango orchards across Darbhanga and nearby areas opened my eyes to the hard work and dedication that goes into bringing mangoes from the tree to our tables.

One of the key changes in modern mango cultivation is the use of grafting techniques.

While this method has been around since the Mughal era, it has been perfected over the years. Grafting allows farmers to combine the best qualities of different mango varieties.

This results in trees that bear fruit faster and produce higher yields.

As I learned over the period that every part of the Mango and mango tree holds importance and significance in society and culture.

So every part of this tree is a boon to farmers.

From providing livelihoods to millions of farmers to being a major export commodity, mangoes play a crucial role in our economy. Mangoes remain true to the value of prosperity that they stand for in our culture.

Growing up in Darbhanga, I often saw how the mango harvest season was a time of bustling activity and joy. For many families in our village, mango farming was not just a tradition but a vital source of income. My father used to say, "A good mango season means a good year for everyone." This statement rings true for many farmers across India.

It was astonishing for me to know that India contributes to more than 40% of global production, largest in the world.

Mango cultivation is not only about growing and selling fruits. It's a complex process that involves various stages. Growing the trees, harvesting, processing, marketing, each step provides sustenance to countless people. Farmers Livelihood is dependent upon the great harvesting and selling of this golden fruit.

The Alphonso mango, in particular, is a favorite among consumers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Exporting mangoes brings in valuable foreign exchange. It also enhances India's reputation as a producer of premium quality fruits.

I recall a workshop organized by the National Horticulture Board. The experts shared their insights on modern farming techniques and sustainable practices. I found that the Government was taking many initiatives to provide the growth and prosperity of mango.

I believe that this fruit industry is a significant contributor to the economy. The industry includes making mango pulp, juices, jams, and pickles.

At JhaJi Store, we are a part of this industry. We believe in supporting local livelihoods by sourcing our materials from local farmers and suppliers.

This ensures the best quality of materials because we are close to the source. This relationship benefits us as well as the suppliers, creating a sustainable model of growth.

Mango festivals and markets are another way in which this fruit boosts the local economy. Every year, cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore host mango festivals. Thousands of visitors come because of their love for the fruit.

These festivals provide a platform for farmers to showcase mangoes, connect with customers, and boost their sales. I fondly remember attending a mango festival in the Governor's house in Patna, where we found a variety of mangoes and talked to different mango farmers.

At JhaJi Store, we are committed to supporting sustainable practices in mango cultivation, while maintaining the best quality.

Over the period we connected with many farmers and later boiled down for a couple of farmers who helped us with mangoes of high quality.

We use those mangoes for our products which are plucked from the mango tree itself. The Mangoes are usually plucked with the help of the traditional and handmade tool named Cheeka

As we look at our culture, it’s impossible to overlook the profound impact of Mangoes.

From festivals to art, mangoes hold a special place in our hearts and traditions. Growing up in Darbhanga, I experienced firsthand how deeply embedded mangoes are in our cultural fabric.

One of my earliest memories of mangoes in our culture is when we put ripe mangoes in a bucket full of water in "dalaan" which is an old-fashioned courtyard or drawing room and whenever someone visited, we would offer mangoes to them.

In our home, mango leaves have always been used for decorations during festivals. My mother would carefully string them together and hang them over our doorways.

She told me that these leaves were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. 🕉️This tradition has been followed for generations, and I continue it in my own home today.

Summer festivals in our village are another vivid memory I carry

During these festivals, mangoes were an essential part of the celebrations.

We would make garlands of mango leaves and decorate the temple, and the air would be filled with the sweet fragrance of mangoes.

The elders would tell us that offering mangoes to the gods would ensure a good harvest and prosperity for the coming year.

The mango tree itself was considered sacred.

Even the ancient Ayurvedic texts praise the mango for its medicinal properties.

My mother often makes a paste of mango leaves to treat minor cuts and wounds.

She also made a special drink with raw mangoes, jaggery, and cumin seeds popular known as “Panna” that was believed to cool the body during the hot summers.

Another memory I carry is how During Holi, the festival of colors, and mangoes played a unique role in our celebrations. I remember my mother making gujiyas stuffed with a sweet mango filling. These treats were a favorite among children and adults alike. The joy of playing with colors, combined with the sweet taste of mangoes, made Holi an unforgettable experience.

One more cultural significance of mangoes that I can remember is their use during the Vat Savitri Pooja.

In the remembrance of The story of Savitri and Yamraj giving back the life of Satyawan, every year in June- July month, the women in our Mithila tie the kalava to the Vata Tree. Many things like litchi, sprouted dal, and moong dal are used but especially the Bijju variety of mango is used during the offering.

Mango indeed is part of Indian culture and traditions.

Weddings in our region were another occasion where mangoes took center stage.

Mango leaves are used to decorate the wedding venue, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the newlyweds.

One of the rituals involved offering mangoes to the bride and groom, a gesture that signified a wish for a sweet and fruitful marriage. I vividly recall my own wedding, where my mother hung fresh mango leaves over the entrance to bless our new home.

Mangoes also play a significant role in religious ceremonies. Ripe mangoes are offered to Lord Ganesha during Ganesh Chaturthi to get his blessings for prosperity and happiness.

The mango leaves used in puja were believed to purify the surroundings and invite positive energy. These practices have been passed down through generations, and I continue them in my home today.

In addition to festivals and rituals, mangoes have a prominent place in Indian art and literature. Growing up, I was fascinated by the beautiful paintings that depicted mangoes in various forms.

Renowned poet Amir Khusrow pens down the welcome of the Vasant season and the changes in surroundings by mentioning mangoes.

He writes

“SAKAL BAN PHOOL RAHI SARSON

AMBVA PHOOTEY, TESU PHULE,

KOEL BOLEY DAR DAR,

GORI KARAT SHINGAR”

Translated - The mustard blooms in every field, Mango buds snap open, the flower blooms, The cuckoo sings from every branch, The damsel adorns make-up.

In our family, mangoes were not just for eating; they were part of our everyday life. We used every part of the mango tree. The leaves were used for decoration, the wood for sacred fires, and the fruit in countless recipes.

Even today, mangoes continue to inspire artists, writers, and chefs.

No doubt that Mango, the most loved fruit, is much more than a mere delicacy. For centuries, mangoes have been an integral part of Indian life, symbolizing prosperity, joy, and heritage and for many, a favorite fruit.

From ancient scriptures to modern-day practices and global exports, the story of mangoes is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian society.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I realize how much mangoes have shaped my life a nd the lives of those around me. Growing up in Darbhanga, the mango season was always a time of joy and togetherness.

The sweet aroma of ripe mangoes filled our home, and the entire family would come together to enjoy this wonderful fruit.

These memories are a testament to the enduring charm of mangoes and their ability to bring people closer.

Our ancestors revered the mango tree as a symbol of life and prosperity, a tradition that continues to this day. The Mughal emperors celebrated mangoes in their royal courts.

The British and Portuguese helped spread this delicious fruit to the rest of the world. Modern practices and advancements ensure that mangoes remain a vital part of our economy.

And being a crucial part of the economy, mangoes will keep providing livelihoods to millions of people.

Mangoes have also played a significant role in our cultural traditions. Mangoes have inspired countless expressions of creativity and devotion.

This is clear from the mango's importance in festivals, religion, art and literature. The stories and rituals associated with mangoes are a testament to their deep cultural significance and the joy they bring to our lives.

As everyone has their fair share of love for Mango, you may also have some stories to tell about the fruit and the delicacy made with it. Use our comment section and our social media to shower those memories. 

The story of mangoes is a story of India itself – a story of diversity, resilience, and timeless charm.

As we look to the future, let’s continue to cherish and celebrate this incredible fruit, preserving its legacy for generations to come.

Telling you the stories about mango and the cultural and traditional history attached is an honor for me.

At Jhaji we are obligated to the connected society of farmers and suppliers who help us to get the fruits and vegetables that we use for our products.

We are bringing the stories to pay respect to the major ingredients and preserving them. At JhaJi Store, we take pride in preserving these cultural traditions with the same zeal as we prepare our pickles.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through time with the king of fruits. Let’s keep the tradition alive, one mango at a time.