Why is Lotus Designated as our National Flower?
In response to a Right to Information query in 2017, it was revealed that although the Botanic Survey of India has not officially named any flower as the National Flower of India, the Indian Government website recognizes Lotus as the National Flower of India. Let's delve into the reasons why Lotus is considered the National Flower:
- National Emblem of India, adopted on 26th January 1950, rests on a fully bloomed inverted Lotus flower, emphasizing the significance of the flower.
- Lotus embodies beauty and symbolizes non-attachment.
- Despite growing in mud, it emits a pleasant myrrh-like fragrance, which is seen as a profound message for humanity.
Intriguing Facts about the National Flower of India
Here are some noteworthy facts about Lotus – The National Flower of India:
| National Flower of India – Lotus – Fascinating Facts |
| The Lotus, India's National flower, is a symbol of ultimate reality. Goddess Saraswathi, the deity of Learning/Education in Hindu religion and mythology, is depicted seated on a lotus flower. |
| The Lotus thrives in freshwater lakes in semitropical climates. |
| Lotus flowers in various colors such as white, red, blue, pink, and purple are primarily found in Asian countries. |
| Lotus symbolizes wealth, mysticism, knowledge, fertility, and enlightenment. In India, it is viewed as a symbol of victory. |
| It is a sacred flower with a unique place in the art and mythology of ancient India. |
| Besides its cultural significance, the seeds of the Lotus are used in medicine for treating heart ailments, spleen, and kidney. |
| The seeds, leaves, roots, and leaf stalk of the Lotus are edible and are used as a vegetable in Indian cuisine. |
| Since ancient times, Lotus has been a symbol of fortune in Indian culture. |
| Lotus is also revered and considered sacred in Buddhism. |
If you enjoyed reading about the National Flower of India, you might also like to read about other National Symbols of India mentioned in the table below:
Why is Studying about the National Flower of India Essential for UPSC?
Questions related to the National flower, National Emblem, National symbols, National Anthem, and the Official language of India frequently appear in the UPSC IAS Prelims Exam. The second chapter in the India Yearbook covers the National Identity Elements of India.
The National symbols are integral to India's identity and heritage. They instill a sense of pride and nationalism in the hearts of Indians across the globe. India boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. According to recent data, India ranks fourth in Asia in terms of plant diversity.
The Lotus sends a profound message to humanity. While it symbolizes beauty, it also represents non-attachment. Numerous verses in Indian literature praise the love between the sun and the flower. It embodies both beauty and non-attachment. Even though it grows in mud, it emits a myrrh-like fragrance.
National Flower of India – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here
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