It is interesting how Dashain comes with layers of folded stories. We are very much familiar with the essence of this auspicious festival and Dashain Jamara is one of them.

Dashain brings whole different energy to every household. The significance of Vermillion, rice, tika, puja, food, and family gatherings come out as stronger aspects to spread warmth and vibrancy at home. Should I tell you that red tika and light green Jamara are the perfect combinations to add beauty to happy faces? Drawing our attention to light green Jamara only seen during Dashain, let’s talk about its interesting facts and significance.

Jamara is a barley sprout that is grown especially during the Dashain festival. The Holy grass, Jamara is planted on the first day of Dashain, ‘Ghatasthapana’, and is worshipped for nine days as the symbol of Goddess Durga. The old member of the house or the priest is supposed to grow and worship them while unmarried women are neither allowed to visit the Dashain Ghar where Jamara is planted nor see them. It is religiously believed that the Jamara, a holy grass is the blessing from Goddess Durga, that has been living with the crops such as Barley, Maize, Wheat, etc. 

How do you grow Jamara at home?

  • Jamara has been our tradition and the continuation of growing them should be a legacy. Growing Jamara at home takes not much effort and time. The first step is to soak barley seeds in a small pot for 8 to 10 hours. Make sure that the pot is kept in a dark room and avoid direct sunlight. Layout the layer of soil enough for the seeds to germinate. Now, all you need to do is sprinkle some water daily until it is ready. Traditionally, it is grown in a Kalash and worshipped every day.
     

Health benefits of Jamara:

  • Jamara is a superfood packed with nutrients having anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. 
  • Jamara has a high level of enzymes that helps in digestion. The enzymes help our body to break down food and absorb nutrients.
  • Jamara juice is famous and beneficial especially if you are on a weight loss journey. Since it is packed with nutrients and keeps you fuller for a long time, it helps you to stay in a calorie deficit. 
  • Jamara helps to lower the cholesterol level and boost the immune system.

 

Jamara carries a traditional, religious, and health significance to different levels. Sowing the Jamara marks the beginning of the auspicious festival, Dashain. The addition of those light green grass makes the whole situation of receiving and giving blessings colourful and vibrant.