About World Pulses Day
World Pulses Day on 10 February celebrates dried beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas as nutritious, affordable and planet-friendly foods. The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2018, building on the International Year of Pulses in 2016.
Pulses are the dried edible seeds of legume plants, such as lentils, chickpeas, dried peas and many kinds of beans. They are rich in protein and fibre, store well and are often affordable, which makes them important for nutrition in many parts of the world. Pulse crops also help the soil, because their roots work with bacteria to fix nitrogen from the air.
The UN marked 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. Building on that, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 February as World Pulses Day in 2018, and the Food and Agriculture Organization leads the observance.
How it is marked
The FAO, governments and farmers' groups hold events on nutrition, sustainable farming and fair markets for pulse growers. Chefs and home cooks share recipes, and schools run nutrition talks and cooking activities. India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of pulses, and dal is part of daily meals across the country, from sambar and rajma to chole, moong dal khichdi and besan snacks. The day is a lovely excuse to cook a favourite family dal or try a pulse dish from another region.
What to write
Keep it light and homely, and mention a favourite dal or shared meal.
- Here is to dal-chawal, the comfort food that always feels like home. Happy World Pulses Day!
- Your rajma recipe finally worked in my hostel kitchen. Calling that a World Pulses Day win.
- Thank you, Mamaji, for the bag of moong from your farm. Khichdi all week at our place.
How to wish someone on World Pulses Day
the humble comfort of dal, and the farmers who grow the pulses that feed us
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pulses and legumes?
Legumes are plants whose seeds grow in pods, while pulses are the dried seeds of certain legumes harvested for grain, such as lentils, chickpeas and dried beans. Crops harvested green, such as fresh peas, and oil crops such as soybean and groundnut are not usually counted as pulses.
Why are pulses good for the soil?
Pulse plants work with bacteria in their roots to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. This improves soil fertility and can reduce the need for chemical fertiliser in the next crop.
How can I include more pulses in everyday meals?
Add a bowl of dal to lunch or dinner, try sprouted moong or chana as a snack, and use besan for chillas and pakoras. Mixing different pulses across the week gives a wider range of nutrients.
When is World Pulses Day in 2026?
World Pulses Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
What is World Pulses Day?
World Pulses Day on 10 February celebrates dried beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas as nutritious, affordable and planet-friendly foods. The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2018, building on the International Year of Pulses in 2016.
Is World Pulses Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Pulses Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Pulses Day?
Focus on the humble comfort of dal, and the farmers who grow the pulses that feed us. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Pulses Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .