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Mangoes from India are succulent summer fruits which are favored by millions around the world. The
fruit has a heavenly taste and is often mentioned as the “Food of the Gods”. The much-loved mangoes
of India are found in many varieties, each a delight in its own. Of these, one of the most popular kind is
the Dasheri Mango (also spelled as Dusseri and Dussehri) that comes from North India. It is known as the
“mother” to the many mango varieties found in India. You will be surprised to know that Dasheri
mangoes are not only favored today but were even popular in ancient India and have a strong
connection with Buddhism.
The delicious fruit was not just popular for its mouthwatering taste but was also believed to be holy by
the ancient religions of the country. Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism mention the ‘sacredness’ of the
mango trees and fruit. Even the mango leaves are a part of many auspicious rituals.
Buddhism believes the mango to be sacred and interestingly it played an important role in bringing the
delicious flavors to the rest of the world. The Buddhist monks traveled far and wide in the world and
introduced the fruit to Southern East Asia countries like Malaysia and China around the 4th century B.C.
Now, mangoes are grown abundantly in the tropical and sub-tropical climate.
Buddhism in Singapore embraces Indian rituals in addition to many other forms of Buddhism that co-
exist in the island country. Besides, the flavorsome mangoes, mango leaves find its place in the
auspicious Buddhist rituals in Singapore.