Dashain is also alluded to as Bijaya Dashami. It is one of the grandest and most favorable festival celebrated in Nepal. It is the longest running festivals on the Nepalese calendar along with being the most notable festivals in Nepal. The Dashain festival is commended for fifteen days during the month of Ashoj (between September and October).

The celebration observed by the Hindus to commend the victory of good over bad is Dashain. Dashain is celebrated since Ram killed the demon Ravana (King of Lanka), the manifestation of Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Durga mercilessly wrecked the demon Mahisasur who was responsible for the devastation on the planet as per the Hindu mythology. During this time, the Hindu goddess of triumph, Durga, is particularly revered.

Dashain is indistinguishable from flying kites, swinging on ping, for instance, rote ping and linge ping, getting along with your friends and family, and holding a feast. It’s a reunion and merry-making festival. This festival means much more for kids who wait one year for new clothes and get elderly blessings (and money) from older folks. Individual spend this festival holiday playing on the swings.

Dashain jamara

Jamara, the color of which is yellow since it is sown in darkness. This is viewed as the sacred and auspicious. It develops out of the seeds on the vessel. On the main day of Dashain (i.e. 10th day referred to as Vijaya Dashami,) it is worn on the head as Durga Mata’s blessings. During the most recent five days, Jamara has been bestowed by the elders on top of the heads of the smaller ones. Jamara is viewed by the goddess Durga herself as a prasad.

Dashain is not the festival without the jamara. A significant aspect of the festival are these yellow-green (jamara) splashes of colour. Jamara has great importance other than adding color to Dashain It is accepted that Goddess Durga presents shakti (power) on them, notwithstanding their wearers feeling appreciated and secure by their relatives and family members.

Why is Dashain jamara yellowish in color?

Jamara is the grass that develops after barley seeds grow. Although the barley sprouts are gray in the field, the Dashain jamara is yellowish. The sprouts in the field derive their color from a chemical alluded to as chlorophyll.

But why is Dashain Jamara yellowish in colour? Is it because lack of chlorophyll in Jamara? The basic answer is yes. It relies upon how much light the plant get. In a plant cell compartment referred to as the plastid, chlorophyll is available. Plastids, in any case, require light to activate chlorophyll.

The chlorophyll-containing plastid is referred to as chloroplast, and they are colored green. This plastids do not have chlorophyll on the grounds that Dashain jamara is cultivated in darkness. Therefore, accordingly instead of green, the jamara is yellowish.

Light impacts every single phase of the lifecycle of a plant, including early stages and germination. The seeds may not grow at all in case the lighting is not in right sum. In barley and wheat, rather than advancing germination, white and blue light causes the seed go to sleep.

Dormant seeds remain metabolically active, however dormancy stifles the development cycles of grain. Dormancy is, thus, characterized by the inability of viable seeds to sprout under favorable conditions. . Developing jamara under white light lessens grain growing and growth as white light energizes dormancy.

Red light, but, doesn’t affect the barley seeds germination. Should we be developing jamara in the red light rather than in complete darkness in the event that it doesn’t affect germination?

No, since red light, rather than plants filled in complete obscurity, diminishes the length of youthful grain grass. Subsequently, to turn out to be long, yellowish jamara for Dashain, keep developing them in the dim, as you’ve generally been doing.

Within a couple of days of sowing, barley seeds develop. For Dashain, this is excellent news in light of the fact that we have to develop jamara in a couple of time. At the dawn of agriculture, in any case, conditions were not quite this rosy.

After the grains develop in the plant, the wild precursors of modern grain stay torpid for quite a long time. Because of the seeds being dormant, barley’s wild relatives cannot germinate even though temperature and conditions are great.

Then again, present day grain seeds have low dormancy and, under specific conditions can be liable to pre-harvest sprouting.

For the agrarian business, pre-harvest sprouting represents a major issue which represents major significant losses. The long period of dormancy in barley’s wild kin, however, has never been perfect. For ranchers and beer producers, the ability to monitor germination is exceptionally beneficial on the ground that it reduces the need for a prolonged time to store the seeds.

For decades, ranchers have been reproducing barley against dormancy, however it appears that the most intensive breeding took place in the beginning phases of the domestication of barley.

Scientists also discovered that six thousand-year-old barley seeds recovered in present-day Israel from the Judean Desert are identical to modern barley.

This implies that more than six centuries ago, early farmers bred barley to acquire the ideal traits. In dry, mature modern barley grains, one of the features is low dormancy, which permits modern barley to germinate rapidly and uniformly. This isn’t just useful for agribusiness and the liquor business, it has additionally empowered jamara to grow and develop quickly for Dashain.

Most individuals save a loads of seeds and safely and securely store them to grow jamara. Under calm, dry conditions, barley grains stored remain healthy and can germinate even quite a few years after harvest.

After 10 days at 35 degrees Celsius and after 50 days at 25 degrees Celsius, only half of the barley seeds germinate at 20 percent moisture content. Thus, seed viability is greatly decreased by high temperatures and humidity, which implies that grains neglect to develop under positive conditions.

On the off chance that you already store barley grains in moist, humid rooms to grow jamara, then stop storing them. Storing barley seeds in a cold and dry position helps to protect the health of the grain. More germination implies that jamara gets denser, so jamara gets denser per pot. This is the jamara science that we can use to enhance the consistency and development of jamara to prevent any disappointments during Dashain.

Concept of Jamara

According to the research, the possibility of Jamara originates from Persia/Centra Asia. The khas Arya brought along with them the practice of rising sprouts. Central Asian nations are still celebrating the Persian New Year referred to as as Nowruz by developing wheatgrass, in addition to other things. It is accepted that Chaite Dashain was the Bada Dashain, or if nothing else celebrated as huge as Bada dashain. In Chaite Dashain individuals used to develop Jamara.

Interestingly, at around a similar time as Nowruz, Chaite Dashain falls. Perhaps Chaite Dashain was a continuation of Nowruz or the like? However, it is not sure fact. But the ceremonies and festivities have been moved from Chaite Dashain to Bada Dashain for some obscure explanation.

In addition to Nepal, Pahadi people also grow Jamara during Dashain, aswell as Chaite Dashain along with in India’s Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand region. But they too share the origins of the Khas, so it is obvious to rise Jamara as part of a ritual.

Jamara in Phulpati

The great celebration on the seventh day of the Dashain Festival is Phulpati (sacred flowers). On that day, from Gorkha to Kathmandu, the Brahmin will bring royal kalasha, sacred jamara, banana stalks and sugar cane that is tied with red cloth. This 169-kilometer-long trek often takes three days to complete. Several government officials in traditional dresses will assemble and watch the fulpati march in Tundikhel with the lord (that is king).

Then there is a majestic Nepalese Army display along with a gun firing celebration that proceeds to honor Phulpati for ten to fifteen minutes. By the time the event finishes in Tundikhel, where a parade is conducted, the Phulpati are brought to the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace.

With the abolition of the royal family in 2008, the two-exceptionally old custom has changed with the end goal that the religious offering of Phulpati goes to the president’s home. Since the dissolution of the royal monarchy, the President has assumed control over the ruler’s social and religious positions.

How people grow Jamara?

The beginning of Dashain is demonstrated by planting Jamara in Ghaṭasthāpanā. In a real sense, it implies setting a kalasha or a pot, which represents goddess Durga. Ghaṭasthāpanā falls on the primary day of the festival. On this day the Kalash is stacked up with favored water and is then sewn with grain seeds. At that point the Kalash is placed in the centre of a rectangular sand block.

The rest of the bed of sand is additionally cultivated with grains. The priest by then starts the puja by mentioning that Durga favor the vessel with her essence. This custom is performed at a particular ideal time which is determined by the astrologers. The goddess is accepted to dwell in the vessel during Navratri.

Dashain Ghar is the place where all of this ritual is performed. Outsiders, generally, are not permitted to enter it. Twice every day, once in the first part of the day and again at night, a relative venerates the Kalash. The Kalash is dodged from direct light and heavenly water is offered to it daily.

Because of this the seed will have grown to five or six inches of long yellow grass by the tenth day of the festival. This holy grass is referred to as jamara. These customs proceed until the seventh day.

Note: It is believed in our culture that the Jamara ought to be appeared in the family’s main house, referred to as MulGhar, otherwise it is not considered sacred. Numerous individuals accept this fact, so they don’t sow the plant.

Simple method to grow Jamara?

Things you will need

Some of the things that you will need while sowing Jamara are:

1) Barley seeds

2) Deep Bowl

3) Sand

4) Water

There are different process to grow Jamara. However, below is one of the simple procedure to grow Jamara which includes:

1) Soak barley seeds overnight. You can also use the Nepali grocery shop’s Jamara mix (barley, corn, wheat).

2) Get a deep bowl with a flat bottom, or a jar. Fill the jar with a layer of sand around a couple of inches thick.

3) Into the container, sprinkle a layer of saturated Jamara mix. Be sure that there is only one layer of seeds, so that they have ample space to sprout.

4) Cover a thin layer of sand with the seeds.

5) Sprinkle some water in the holder. The sand needs to be moist, not be soggy.

6) Cover and place the container in a dark place, away from the sun.

7) Check the container daily to ensure that the sand is moist.

8) Hurray, Now Jamara is ready for the main day of Dashain (Vijayadashami). You can enjoy the Jamara with your family and friends.

Unmarried women are mainly not permitted to see jamara

Every one of us know that during Ghatasthapana, jamara is planted. The head of the family (man or a woman in the family) will do this. However, unmarried women are not permitted to visit the Dashain Ghar (the room where the jamara is placed) from the eighth day of Dashain (Asthami) till the tenth day of Dashain (Bijaya Dashami).

This is presumably on the grounds that devotees sacrifice animals during Ashtami to appease Kali (the Hindu goddess of death, time, and doomsday). The weapons used for the sacrifice are polished, painted and used within the Dashain Ghar, for instance the Khukuri.

They are forestall from entering the Dashain Ghar until the area is cleared out for the tika of Dashami. This is to prevent women-unmarried women to be specific-from witnessing blood splatters and awful sights of death.

Significance of Dashain Jamara

Likewise, a jamara, similar to the Tika, is a basic component of the festival. Indeed, without the jamara, celebrating Dashain would be like celebrating Christmas without Christmas trees. The jamara is, truth be told, much more significant than the Tika.

The jamara is intended to be a blessing. By either the oldest member of the house or the house priest, it is an auspicious method of bringing favorable fortune, prosperity and long life to the individuals who get to wear them. It not just adds tone to the soul of Dashain but on the other hand is a methods for flaunting the number of family members you have who care and wish for your prosperity. As a matter of fact, the more jamara you have, the better.

Even when the ghat is placed (in the first day of Dashain, Ghatasthapana), it represents shakti, an invisible force that no one can see. By putting the kalash, it is a method of inviting the force. It is finally on the tenth day when individuals gather together to worship it.

The planting of jamara has its own meaning, as per Baldev Juju, retired Professor of Nepali Bhasa at TU. The pujas that are performed in the special room where the jamara is held in order to acquire Shakti are thought to be performed. In the wake of acquiring this Shakti, one gains the power to face some form of dilemma, issues that may occur. Pujas are performed for eight days and Bali or sacrifice on the ninth day is made. What’s more, on the 10th day prasad is taken.

It is known to be the king of grains; in Ayurveda, the nutritious facts and advantages of it are often articulated and stated, and on the off chance that you put on those barley shoots, then it is believed that it will make you holy. There is a conviction that it would be auspicious if you use the barley shoots while going long distances, and all the evil or evil deeds will be forestalled.

Other than this, it has a lot of scientific significance. This guides in the annihilation of specific illnesses. It is a significant herb that also heals irritation and burns from the sun. It has health benefits and further are used for homeopathic treatment and fitness.

Health benefits of Jamara (Wheatgrass)?

1) It is a superfood

Wheatgrass is filled with a high nutrient mix that makes it incredibly valuable for your wellbeing. It has numerous medicinal advantages and is referred to as total nourishment. In order to increase your well-being, the comprehensive combination of vitamins and nutrients will consider wheatgrass as an excellent alternative. Wheatgrass has properties that are cancer prevention agent, antibacterial, and mitigating.

2) It can eliminate toxins

In wheatgrass, the supplements permit the body to get rid of impurities and accumulated contaminants. Chlorophyll, for instance, helps in purify the body and helps to facilitate sound liver function. You can see an improvement in energy levels and improved physical health after the body is cleansed.

3) It can help with digestion

By helping the body to break down food and consume nutrients, Wheatgrass has significant levels of enzymes that guide assimilation. For digestion, this will be of incredible assistance. Wheatgrass’s detox effects clean your intestines so that you feel less gas, bloating, and abdominal distress. Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other intestinal disorders can also be relieved by Wheatgrass.

4) It can boost your metabolism

Drinking wheatgrass can increase the metabolism and help you in losing weight. In the event that you take a gander at your weight, it’s an ideal choice, since it’s very low in calories and has no fat. This is a food that allows numerous to feel fuller quicker and longer. This will aid with reducing cravings.

5) It can reduce your cholesterol level

Wheatgrass is likewise known to decrease levels of cholesterol. Weight reduction will also help reduce levels of cholesterol, which can make you less at risk for making coronary sickness.

6. It can fortify your immune system

Wheatgrass increases the immune system’s function. This can help fend off disease and ailment. Additionally, when your immunity works at optimum rate, you can sleep even better. Having a sound immune system will help you mend more easily in the event that you have some type of disease.

7. It will provide you with energy.

From the nourishment you get, the energy levels can be greater than normal. When toxic chemicals have been removed from the body, the energies will be guided to doing regular exercises and working out.

8. It can reduce your blood pressure

By eating wheatgrass, you may bring down your blood pressure. The chlorophyll molecule is hemoglobin-like and increases the number of blood cells. It assists in blood pressure normalization. It is likewise thought that blood is filtered and blood circulation is increased.

9. It can improve cognitive function

Wheatgrass can promote general mental function and reduce depression. Its neuroprotective effects allow greater cognitive function and can help avert Alzheimer’s disease and cure it. It assists with decreasing cognitive decline and can be used to improve coordination between the hand and the eye.

10. It can help with diabetes

Wheatgrass in people with diabetes has been found to raise blood sugar levels. In addition, this is on the grounds that wheatgrass has compounds that have a similar reaction like insulin. It reduces the food glycemic index, which has a favorable influence on blood sugar levels.

11. It can help with joint pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of wheatgrass may encourage a portion of the side effects of joint pain, for instance, stiffness, torment, and swelling. This can contribute to less pain and better functioning.

Conclusion:

Not only Dashain, Dashain Jamara also holds significance in the people. Sowing of Dashain Jamara marks the beginning of the main festival of Nepalese i.e. Dashain. Jamara significance is not only limited to Dashain since it also has health benefits such as improve cognitive function, Strengthening of immune system, eliminate toxin and many other.

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Nepalese People Can’t Imagine Dashain Festival Without Jamara