Holi – Festival of Colors

Holi is a Hindu festival that commemorates the end of winter and arrival of spring, an opportunity to forge new relationships and mend old ones. Also known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is celebrated by covering the world in vibrant colors. A joyous day of meeting new people, playing and laughing – and of course sharing delicious food and drink.

The colors of Holi often include green, red, orange, yellow and purple amongst others. All colors found in Mango!

Taking place over the course of a full day, the celebrations are highlighted by the tradition of playing with colors. People of all ages, dressed in light colored or older clothing, cover the space and loved ones around them in vivid spring hues using dry color powders and water-based solutions. After, many go to meet with family and friends for energetic conversation and delicious food. (Samosas and Mango Chutney anyone?!)

If you’re looking to incorporate more color into your Holi Menu, try these out:

• http://www.mango.org/recipes/spiced-mango-lassi/
• http://www.mango.org/recipes/mango-chutney/
• http://www.mango.org/recipes/corn-mango-bhel/
• http://www.mango.org/recipes/mango-shrikhand/
• http://www.mango.org/recipes/mango-cake-with-coconut-glaze/
• http://www.mango.org/recipes/mango-cucumber-fruit-kabobs/

Holi is mostly celebrated in India with its influences reaching around the world. Similarly, the origins of mango are a part of a great cultural journey and much of the mango influence we see today trickles back to the love that bonded areas such as India to mangos thousands of years ago.

With the arrival of spring’s budding leaves, chirping birds, and blooming flowers it is safe to reason that mangos are bountiful during this time of the year! Although mangos can be found year-round, this time of year marks the start for peak availability of Honey, Keitt, Francis, Haden, and Tommy Atkins varieties.