Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal) is a prized vegetable crop in Ramnagar and so named after it.[3][4] The word "Bhanta" means brinjal and also referred to names like Baigan and Bhanta or Bhata in the local state language of Hindi.[5]
Description
The Ramnagar Bhanta is a unique variety of brinjal (eggplant) grown in the Varanasi region. It is highly sought after for its exclusive Chokha (Bharta) preparation. The fruit is a pendent, fleshy berry, borne singly or in clusters, with varying shapes (ovoid, oblong, obovoid, or long cylindrical) and colors (purple, purple-black, yellowish, white, green, and variegated). One of the unique features of Ramnagar Bhanta is its ability to increase in size significantly during foggy winter weather, growing up to 2 kgs or more.[2] Notable varieties of Ramnagar Bhanta include the Ramnagar Giant and KS-233.[6][7] Both of these varieties have shown resistance to Phomopsis blight and moderate resistance to fruit rot.[8][9][10]
The Ramnagar Bhanta is a warm and winter season crop, which can grow up to 2-2.5 kg or more in a single piece.[11] It is grown in the Gangetic Plain area of Varanasi and nearby districts (Mirzapur, Chandauli, and Sonebhadra). The special characteristics of soil and water in the region support its growth. Local farmers have preserved this landrace and proudly grow it with quality. They use traditional methods for seed selection, choosing yellow-colored brinjals for seed purposes. The Ramnagar Bhanta is rich in vitamins, minerals, and has high nutritive value.
The Lota Bhanta Mela, a traditional fair, is held on the outskirts of Varanasi in Rameshwaram teerth, Harhua, near the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport. The origins of the Lota Bhanta Mela date back several centuries to its founder, Lotum Bhatt. Over time, the name evolved into "Lota-Bhanta." This transformation is mirrored in the symbolic ceremonial rituals that have developed around the fair. Devotees offer brinjals and clay pots to the presiding deity, while many others roast brinjals over an open flame, pairing them with rotis cooked on-site.[12] The fair attracts pilgrims from surrounding villages who gather to enjoy a simple meal of roti and roasted brinjal (bhanta).[13] Interestingly, the name "Lota Bhanta" is also linked to the traditional cooking method, where brinjals are cooked in earthen pots (lota) over a cowdung fire. The term "lota" refers to an earthen pot or pitcher, and "bhanta" means brinjal.[5] The Ramnagar Bhanta holds significant cultural value, being a staple dish during the famous Ramnagar Ramlila, where thousands gather to watch the performance. Bati-Chokha, made with Ramnagar Bhanta, is a traditional and favorite dish in the region.
Kashi Vishwanath Farmer Producer Company from Varanasi, proposed the GI registration of Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal).[2] After filing the application in November 2020, the Brinjal was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal)" exclusive to the Brinjal grown in the region. It thus became the first brinjal variety from Uttar Pradesh and the 45th type of goods from Uttar Pradesh to earn the GI tag.[15]
The GI tag protects the brinjal from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.[16]
