Daak Weekly: Mango Season Special
The mango season is upon us, and households across South Asia are fragrant with the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes! In this region, mangoes are more than just a fruit; they symbolize summer, evoke childhood nostalgia, and connect people to their cultural heritage. In fact, some of the greatest poets and writers from the subcontinent have penned delightful odes to the king of fruits.
One such figure if Ghalib, arguably the most well-known Urdu poet, who is oft quoted in Bollywood as well as in daily life. His poetry has a universal appeal as he talks of love, longing, the powers of intoxication. Yet, few know of the wit, humour and dexterity of his letter writing. Fewer still, know of his love for mangoes. Many seasons of mangoes have come and gone but ballads about his love for the sumptuous fruit live on. In quite a few of his letters in the compilation Khutoot e Ghalib (Letters of Ghalib) you will find a mention of mangoes: praise of different varieties, requests for mangoes from friends, gratitude towards someone who sent him a batch and discussions on the troubles of transportation. Read one of these letters.
Another poet who loved the fruit was Akbar Allahabadi (1846−1921), one of the foremost Urdu poets of our time, known for his wit, humour, and social critique. Born as Akbar Hussain in Allahabad, he gained prominence in the literary circles of British India, contributing significantly to the Urdu literary landscape. His wrote on the themes of love, politics and societal issues, blending traditional forms with contemporary concerns. Renowned for his light-hearted style, Allahabadi’s verses reflect the complexities of Indian society during a period of colonial rule. In one of his lighter poems, “Aam Nama,” the poet whimsically requests his friend, Munshi Nisar Husain, to send him mangoes instead of love letters or messages from his beloved, prizing it as the most exalted form of pleasure.
But perhaps what is most fascinating is the mango's role beyond literary acclaim, as an effective tool in the realm of politics and diplomacy. In August 1968, during China's Cultural Revolution, Pakistan extended a diplomatic gesture by gifting a crate of mangoes to Chairman Mao Zedong. Although Mao did not eat them himself, he distributed the fruits to workers from the Mao Zedong Thought Propaganda Team, making mangoes an unexpected symbol of goodwill and political strategy, creating what was called the “Mango Fever.”
From poetry to politics, the mango has remained firmly embedded in the culture and ethos of the subcontinent. As you enjoy your favourite varieties this season, savour not only their sweetness but also the rich history and tradition they represent.
Love,
Team Daak
PS - Want to read more poems romancing the mango? Check out this collection on our instagram!
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