Navratri is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals, dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Maa Durga. Along with fasting, puja, and devotion, one ritual you will find in almost every household during Navratri is growing “khetri” (also known as “jaura”, “jaware”, or barley shoots).
But why do we grow khetri during Navratri? What’s the story behind it? And how exactly should it be done? Let’s understand the deeper meaning.
The Story Behind Khetri in Navratri
According to ancient scriptures, when King Sudarshan performed a yajna to please Maa Durga, he sowed barley seeds as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and prosperity. After the yajna, the barley sprouted beautifully, signifying that the Goddess had accepted his prayers.
Since then, sowing barley (khetri) during Navratri became a tradition — it is seen as a way of invoking Maa Durga’s blessings for growth, prosperity, and a fresh beginning.
Another belief connects khetri to agriculture and harvest cycles. Navratri coincides with the transition of seasons — farmers sow barley shoots as a prayer to Maa Durga for good rains, fertile land, and abundant crops.
How to Do Khetri During Navratri
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Day 1 – Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) | Place a clean clay pot or wide earthen dish. Fill it with fertile soil and sprinkle barley (jau) seeds evenly. Water lightly so the soil is moist but not soggy. |
| Placement | Place the khetri near the Kalash in your puja altar. Ensure it receives mild sunlight and avoid direct heat. |
| Daily Care | Sprinkle a little water every day to keep the soil moist. Offer diya (lamp), incense, and prayers to Maa Durga. |
| Ashtami or Navami (Day 8 or 9) | After Kanya Pujan, treat the khetri as sacred prasad. It can be immersed in rivers or sacred water bodies. Some families distribute it among devotees as a blessing. |
Significance of Khetri in Navratri
- Symbol of Growth: The green shoots represent fresh beginnings, prosperity, and success.
- Divine Acceptance: Healthy khetri growth is believed to show Maa Durga’s acceptance of your devotion.
- Astrological Meaning: Barley is linked with planet Saturn; growing it during Navratri balances karmic debts and invites stability.
- Harvest Connection: Farmers consider khetri a divine prayer for fertile crops and food security.
- Spiritual Reminder: Just as the shoots grow with care, our faith and devotion should also be nurtured daily.
Conclusion
Khetri in Navratri is not just a ritual — it is a sacred symbol of life, fertility, and blessings from Maa Durga. By sowing barley on the first day and watching it sprout during the nine nights, devotees feel the Goddess’s energy growing within their homes.
It teaches us that with devotion, patience, and daily nurturing, both our spiritual and worldly lives can flourish under the grace of Maa Durga.
So this Navratri, when you plant khetri, remember: you are sowing seeds not just in soil, but also in your heart — seeds of faith, abundance, and divine energy. 🌸
