Every country has its own National Symbols that are fundamental to its identity and inheritance. These symbol(s) are designed to represent all the people of the national community.
Similarly, the Republic of India also has National Symbols that infuses a sense of pride and patriotism in each of its citizens. While the design of the National Flag was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly days before Indian Independence, other symbols were designated at different points in time.
National Vegetable in India
Although many websites claim that the Indian Pumpkin is the National Vegetable of India as it grows across the length and breadth of the nation and doesn’t require specific soil conditions, there’s no mention of a ‘National Vegetable’ on the Indian government’s website for citizens.
As per National Portal of India, there are 10 National Identity Elements that Indians of all demographic backgrounds are proud of. These are National Flag, National Bird, National Flower, National Tree, National Anthem, National Calendar, National Animal, State Emblem and Currency Symbol.
Thus, going by the data available on the national portal, India doesn’t have a ‘National Vegetable’ as well as a ‘National Fruit’ as acclaimed by many websites.
A Right to Information (RTI) has been filed in this regard by many organizations with the Government of India. As and when the Ministry responds, the same will be updated here.
About Pumpkin
Pumpkin is highly nutrient and is found in various colours from yellow to green or orange. It has seeds and pulp inside its thick shell.
While commonly viewed as a vegetable, scientifically, a pumpkin is a fruit as it contains seeds. It is native to North America and is popular around Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Indian Pumpkin or known as kaddu. Some websites claim Pumpkin to be national vegetable in India. Some features of pumpkin are given below:
- The national vegetable of India is the Indian pumpkin. It grows throughout India, doesn’t really require great soil characteristics, and grows easily as a climber or creeper.
- As it produces easily and gets excellent vegetables, it is considered the poor person’s vegetable.
- It has a sweet taste with dhals, spices, & vegetables as well as combines easily. It is produced in all regions of tropical India and eaten there.
- It will grow well especially during the hot days of the year.