In Jainism, pumpkin (kaddu) is generally allowed.

Many people get confused because:

• We strictly avoid root / underground vegetables like potato, onion, garlic, carrot, beet, radish, etc.
• Pumpkin is not a root; it grows above the ground on a creeper, so it does not fall in that “root” category.

So, from a Jain–dharma point of view:

• Pumpkin is permitted for both Śvetāmbara and Digambar lay Jains.
• It is commonly listed as a normal Jain sabzi along with other gourds and squashes.

If someone in your family says “we don’t eat pumpkin,” it is most likely:

• A family tradition, personal health reason, taste preference, or
• Some local belief — but not a general Jain scriptural rule like the rule against roots, honey, meat, etc.

In short: From Jain religious food rules, there is no problem in eating pumpkin.