One of the most-awaited festivals of the year, Navratri is already here, and before we ever realised it, we are nearing Dussehra. To celebrate Navratri, apart from playing garba, devotees also perform various rituals, and one of them is planting barley, also known as jau in Hindi. This ritual holds great importance on the day of Vijayadashami, which is also celebrated Dussehra. Read on to know more details.
What Is The Importance Of Jau On Dussehra?
Jau, or Barley, holds a special significance during Dussehra, which is also known as Vijayadashami. On the first day of Navratri, barley grains are sown where Maa Durga is placed across many homes, mostly in the puja room. A small bed of soil is prepared, and after performing the puja, the seeds are sown and watered daily. On the tenth day, Dussehra, the shoots that sprout out of the jau are pulled out and distributed among devotees as a blessing from Devi Durga, reported RudraLife. The jau strands are placed on devotees ear during Dussehra puja.
This ritual takes us back to the time of Ramayana, where Lord Rama prayed to the nine forms of Devi Durga to gain the strength to defeat Ravana. Finally, he succeeded on the tenth day. Now, on the day of Dussehra, sisters place these sprouts behind their brother and father’s ears to wish prosperity and good luck in their lives.
What Are The Benefits Of Barley Plants?
Apart from the connection with Ramayana, jau or barley is also known for its health and spiritual benefits. Planted at the start of Navratri and placed under Maa Durga’s feet, jau grows into tiny green shoots over nine days. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, B-complex, proteins, seventeen amino acids, and chlorophyll, these shoots can help detoxify the body, cleanse heavy metals, and support blood health.
According to Times Now, barley is also antioxidant-rich, promoting overall well-being. Consuming it as prasad or in halwa on Vijayadashami is believed to enhance mental, emotional, and spiritual energy, while the growth and colour of the shoots are said to predict your progress in the year ahead.
Have you ever heard about this ritual? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: Inspired By Ganga Aarti, Karnataka Has A Cauvery Aarti In Mysuru For Navratri; Details Inside
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Christina & Peter (Representative Image) & Canva Pro/Basant Malviya