One of the core ingredients used in havans (Fire sacrifice) is Mango Sticks. The sticks burn quickly, without releasing detrimental smoke in the air. Scientifically, the mango wood unleashes a naturally occurring chemical called Formaldehyde that destroys harmful bacteria, making the atmosphere pure and suitable for rituals.
The great epics like the Mahabharata and the Puranas glorify Mango wood on account of its being an epitome of purity, fertility and divinity. Lord Ganesha holds a ripe mango in his hand and Saraswati is offered mangoes in Her worship.
