National Flower of India – The Lotus

What is the National Flower of India?

The Lotus is considered India's national flower due to its deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The lotus was adopted as the national flower on 26 January 1950.

Indian national flower, Lotus symbolises its purity, beauty, wealth, and the spiritual growth of the human soul. The flower's ability to bloom in muddy waters represents resilience and the triumph of good over evil. 

Revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and various Indian traditions, the Lotus is often associated with gods and goddesses, such as Brahma and Lakshmi. Its prominence in Indian art, mythology, and religious symbolism further cements its status as a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.

The National flower of India, lotus, also known as Nelumbo, is a sacred flower for Hindus and is widely known for its elegance and beauty. It is a perennial aquatic plant of the Nelumbonaceae plant family and is commonly found in ponds, lakes and rivers, growing in shallow water with emergent roots (floating in water), as well as on floating mats (floating on water). Lotus is one of the most sacred flowers in India.

Here are the general features of National Flower of India - Lotus:

India's National Flower: Interesting Facts

The national flower of India, the Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), is not only beautiful but also holds several interesting facts:

1. Lotus is also the national flower of Vietnam, in addition to India.

2. Lotus blossoms are considered prosperous and good luck in Egypt since they are the symbol of the Sun God.

3. Symbol of Purity: The Lotus grows in muddy waters yet remains pure, symbolising spiritual enlightenment and purity.

4. Cultural Significance: It is a prominent symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, representing divine beauty, wealth, and creation.

5. Unique Blooming Pattern: The Lotus opens in the morning and closes at night, symbolising renewal and the cycle of life.

6. Economic Importance: The Lotus is used in traditional food and medicine and is also a part of various cultural rituals.

7. Diverse Varieties: There are many varieties of Lotus across India, each with unique colours and significance.

8. The Lotus's enduring beauty and symbolism make it a cherished symbol of India's culture and heritage.

9. Lotus contains significant amounts of fibre, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and copper, as well as vitamins B1, B2, and C. 

10. The fully developed leaves are typically used as plates in rural areas to serve food, make plates, boxes, and packing material, and are also used in traditional medicine.

Why is Lotus Considered the Indian National Flower?

The Lotus is considered India's national flower due to its deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. 

Indian national flower, Lotus symbolises its purity, beauty, wealth, and the spiritual growth of the human soul. The flower's ability to bloom in muddy waters represents resilience and the triumph of good over evil. 

Revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and various Indian traditions, the Lotus is often associated with gods and goddesses, such as Brahma and Lakshmi. Its prominence in Indian art, mythology, and religious symbolism further cements its status as a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Significance of Indian National Flower

The national flower of India is the Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). It is a symbol of purity, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment.

In Indian culture and religion, the Lotus represents the triumph of good over evil as it blooms untouched by the mud in which it grows. It is also associated with several deities, such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Brahma, the creator. The “Lotus-Eyed One” is another name for God Vishnu. The Lotus embodies India's rich heritage, resilience, and the nation's connection to nature and spirituality. 

In Buddhism, a lotus flower signifies heavenly beauty as it evolves from dirt into a lovely blossom. It also symbolises purity of heart, soul, and mind. Because the Lotus bloom hovers above muddy swamps, it also denotes devotion and yearning, making it a beloved flower by Indians.

Some of the Uses of Lotus - The National Flower of India

The Lotus plant has many economic and medical benefits besides its beautiful appearance.

In certain civilisations, the Lotus is often displayed by divine beings. According to Hindu mythology, gods and goddesses sat on Lotus thrones. According to a traditional Buddhist legend, the Buddha first appeared atop a floating lotus, and his first footsteps on Earth left Lotus blossoms.

It was formerly believed that the flower of rebirth also had magical qualities as though it were as heavenly as the gods it now symbolises. The Lotus flower is the ideal present for anyone recovering from an injury or traumatic event because of its peculiar daily resurrection, which is undoubtedly symbolic of renewal.

The entire Lotus plant has many economic and medical significance in addition to its beautiful appearance. There are many uses for the whole plant, including ornamental purposes, medicines and consumption. Listed below are some of these:

Lotus: Decorative uses

• Dried Lotus seed heads are used around the world as decorations.

• Lotus blooms are offered as a form of worship in India.

Lotus: Environmental uses

• Many scientists have discovered that the Lotus is crucial to denitrification, which helps maintain nitrogen equilibrium in water bodies.

• The plant promotes a favourable environment for the bacteria that assists in nitrogen breakdown.

• The Lotus plant helps control soil erosion in desert areas. It also has several animal-feeding, wildlife, and soil-protection benefits.

Lotus: Culinary uses:

• A well-known nut that is frequently eaten raw is the Lotus seed.

• The bulk of East Asian nations eat rhizomes and leaf stalks as vegetables.

• Lotus seeds are fried or dry-roasted to create the snack, which is analogous to popcorn.

• Asian sweets, including mooncakes, rice flour pudding, and daifuku, use Lotus seed paste.

• The rhizome is used in salads and vinegar pickling and is cooked, chopped, and fried.

• With their distinctive aroma, the fully developed leaves may enhance the dining experience.

Lotus: Medicinal uses

The national flower- the Lotus plant- comprises many flavonoid and alkaloid compounds that act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties, making it suitable for modern medicine.

Some of the medicinal uses of the national flower include:

1. The Lotus plant acts as a tonic for heart and liver health.

2. Promotes the baby's natural development during pregnancy.

3. Maintains the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system and reproductive systems and also the enzymatic activity in our body.

4. Numerous health issues, including throat problems and skin discolouration, are treated with the Lotus root.

5. Other health issues, such as diarrhea, kidneys and spleen related issues are treated with the Lotus root.

6. Lotus plant extracts may effectively treat conditions like liver disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

7. The Lotus plant contains compounds that may help to promote skin health and reduce the signs of ageing.

8. The Lotus plant is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive disorders, various skin conditions and many other ailments.

9. This plant helps balance aggravated Pitta and lessen the symptoms of diarrhoea and bleeding disorders.

As India’s national flower, the Lotus holds profound cultural, spiritual, and symbolic significance. Symbolising its purity, resilience, and beauty, the Lotus flower reflects the country’s rich heritage and deep connection to nature. Its presence in Indian art, mythology, and daily life underscores its importance as a cherished emblem of India's identity.