nagpur raanbhaji mahotsav wild vegetable festival a unique feature of nagpur division in which locals and tribals bring naturally grown vegetables during monsoon for exhibition and sale started on monday in nagpur and bhandara the festival is being held every year since 2017 barring 2020 due to covid19 with the situation on covid front easing both the districts resumed the festival this year organizers supported by the governments agriculture department said naturally grown vegetables are best immunity boosters lots of edible plants grow in forests farm binds and by the roadside wherever small patch of soil is available especially during monsoon they are called wild vegetables or raan bhajithese plants are still part of our traditional diet these wild vegetables grow naturally without any chemical manure pesticides and are rich with micronutrients and medicinal properties said hindurao chavan agriculture superintendent of bhandara district tribals and women attached to selfhelp groups not only bring these vegetables from the forests and villages but also share the special recipes with the visitorsbhandara district is rich in natural resources we have organized this festival in bhandara mohadi tumsar paoni sakoli lakhni and lakhandur said chavan in nagpur the festival opened on the premises of sarpanch bhavan where divisional commissioner prajakta lavangare and collector vimala r also paid visit on the very first day these wild vegetables could be tastier and more nutritious than the vegetables usually available in market these can be grown at home garden too for urbanites these vegetables can offer a break from the monotony of everyday meal said agriculture development officer vandana bhele the divisional commissioner appreciated the way organizers had displayed medicinal properties and health benefits of these vegetables i hope this initiative will introduce the treasure of wild vegetables to young city generation she said some wild benefits cassia tora known as tarota bhaji locally is regarded for being effective against asthma and pain brought on by monsoon chillskhaparkhuti boerhaavia diffusa is a soft succulent creeper that tastes like spinach but better source of iron kena commelina benghalensis a soft herb is rich source of protein that can be consumed whollykukurda bhaji celosia argentea is cooked with a handful of indian sorrel leaves and is a rich source of phosphorus takal wild sickle senna kusa zucchini katwal spiny gourd mataru chiwal bhuiawal umbar kawath and much more are at display and sale