Pulses play a vital role in our lives, yet they often go unnoticed in our daily discussions. Every year on February 10, we celebrate World Pulses Day, which draws attention to pulses’ significance and nutritional benefits. This day, recognised by the United Nations, is dedicated to promoting awareness of these essential foods.
The purpose of the day behind was to create awareness about the importance of pulses (dry beans, lentils, dry peas, chickpeas, lupins) and recognise it as a global food. Know history, significance, theme, and more about this day, which are mentioned below.
About World Pulses Day
Pulses are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for food. Dried beans, peas, and lentils are the most commonly known pulses consumed worldwide. Cuisines from different parts of the world incorporate pulses in various ways. For example, hummus made from chickpeas is popular in the Mediterranean.
In Britain, a traditional breakfast includes baked navy beans, while in India, dishes often feature peas or lentils and an array of beans known as dal, such as tur, mung, and urad. Lentils are a powerhouse of iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium and B vitamins. Urad or black lentils top the list among the most nutritious variety. Beneficial for the heart, liver, and kidneys due to its antioxidant properties, it is good for bones and known to enhance energy levels.
Theme of World Pulses Day 2025
This year, the theme of World Pulses Day is “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agri-food systems.” United Nations declared the year 2016 as the year of pulses with the aim of improving the production as well as the consumption of pulses especially in the parts of the world where Type-2 Diabetes have emerged as a major issue due to nutrient deficiency. World Pulses Day came into existence to work on similar grounds.
