World Bamboo Day is observed on September 18 every year to raise awareness about bamboo worldwide. Bamboo has been a part of daily life for decades, but it hasn't always been used in an eco-friendly way. The World Bamboo Organisation has been on a mission to make people more aware of bamboo's potential. They aim to encourage the growth of bamboo for new industries globally and support traditional uses in local communities for economic development.

History of World Bamboo Day

In 2009, during the eighth World Bamboo Congress held in Bangkok, the World Bamboo Organisation (WBO) officially designated September 18 as World Bamboo Day. This decision was made with the unanimous agreement of representatives from nearly 100 countries.

The purpose of World Bamboo Day is to increase awareness among the public about the economic advantages of bamboo and the significance of its cultivation in emerging industries.

Significance of World Bamboo Day

Bamboo is highly valuable in Southeast Asia, East Asia and South Asia, both culturally and economically. World Bamboo Day is important because it highlights the importance of using and preserving bamboo.

On this day, awareness is raised about the plant's versatility in personal and business applications. Here are some key points:

Bamboo's incredible strength makes it useful for creating building materials, art and musical instruments.

Bamboo is also a significant source of food in countries like India and China.

Through World Bamboo Day, the World Bamboo Organisation (WBO) aims to help people recognise the cultural, economic and environmental significance of this versatile plant.

Uses of Bamboo

Bamboo has a rich history of versatile uses dating back centuries. It has served as a valuable resource for a wide range of applications, from sustenance to construction. Here are some notable uses of bamboo:

1) Building Material: Bamboo is utilised in constructing houses, schools and various buildings worldwide. In fact, over a billion people currently inhabit bamboo homes. UNESCO notes that 70 hectares of bamboo yield enough material to build 1,000 houses. This sustainable alternative reduces the need to cut down dwindling forests for timber.

2) Infrastructure: Bamboo is employed in reinforcing roads in India and has been used in bridge construction in China.

3) Medicinal Purposes: In China, certain compounds extracted from black bamboo shoots are used to treat kidney diseases. Bamboo roots and leaves have historical applications in treating certain diseases. In Indonesia, the water from bamboo culms is used to address bone-related ailments.

4) Culinary Uses: Bamboo shoots are a staple in Asian cuisine, featuring prominently in Japanese dishes. The skin of bamboo possesses natural antioxidant properties that deter bacterial growth, making it a valuable food preservative.

5) Energy Source: Charcoal made from bamboo has been used for centuries as a cooking fuel in China and Japan. During the charcoal production process, bamboo vinegar or pyroligneous acid is extracted, containing around 400 different chemical compounds. This versatile liquid finds applications in cosmetics, insecticides, deodorants, food processing, and agriculture.

6) Furniture: Artisans craft exquisite beds, chairs and tables from bamboo.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)