They consider it sacred because the Buddha was accustomed to rest in the lush mango groves. Mangoes were also considered one of the best gifts to be exchanged amongst one another. Buddhists monks would also carry a few mangoes with them on their long expeditions, popularising the fruit. 3. It is said that the rich and pulp flavour of the fruit also caught the fancy of Alexander the Great, who upon his return to Greece, carried enough mangoes along.