Embracing the mouthwatering delight of mangoes, July 22 is designated as National Mango Day—an annual celebration of this cherished fruit that captivates taste buds worldwide. Beyond its delectable flavor, the mango holds a significant place in Indian history and culture, entwined in mythology and literature as a symbol of love and prosperity. Indian festivals and rituals often feature the mango, representing abundance and good fortune.
The inception of the International Mango Festival can be traced back to the ingenious idea of the National Horticulture Board of India in 1987—to honor the beloved mango. Since then, it has become an eagerly anticipated annual tradition, drawing mango aficionados from all corners of the nation. The festival sets the stage for bustling mango markets, vibrant exhibitions, and a delightful array of mango-infused delights, creating an extravagant celebration of this revered fruit.
With a history dating back over 5,000 years, the mango has woven itself into Indian folklore. It is said that a mango orchard was gifted to Lord Buddha to provide him shade and rest. In English and Spanish-speaking nations, the fruit is known as “mango,” derived from the Malayan word “manna,” which the Portuguese adapted to “manga” during their spice trade journey to Kerala in the 1490s.
The journey of mangoes goes beyond India’s borders, as their seeds traveled with humans from Asia to the Middle East, East Africa, and South America starting around 300-400 AD, and later spreading to other corners of the globe. The mango, along with cashews and pistachios, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, forming a delightful trio of tree nuts.
As National Mango Day approaches each year, it serves as a reminder of the rich cultural significance this fruit holds for India and the world, making it a celebration of love, friendship, and abundance in the hearts of mango enthusiasts everywhere.