Article | Climate change, Food Security and Jaware of Navratri | Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh | Central Chronicle

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Climate change, Food Security and Jaware of Navratri

-    Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh

Writer, Author & Social Activist

Blogger - "Climate Diary Of Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh"

It is estimated that by 2050 the world population will increase by one third. If current income and consumption growth trends continue, agricultural production will have to increase by 60 percent to meet the expected increased demands for food. Keeping in mind that millions of people are suffering from hunger, we have to stop wastage of food, understand the importance of food grains... and we can bring this awareness through the Jaware of Navratri.

All over the world, wherever there are people who follow the Hindu religion, they all celebrate the nine-day religious festival of Shardiya Navratri. People of other religions also join this enthusiasm of Durga Puja. One of the biggest features of the rituals of Durga Puja is that "Jaware" is sown on this occasion. It is believed that the worship of Maa Durga in Navratri is incomplete without the Jaware. Whether it is at home or a puja pandal, jewels will definitely be found everywhere in the court of the Mother Goddess. In today's time when we are moving towards food crisis due to climate change, it is important to understand the importance of Jaware. There is such a message in Jaware which makes us aware of food production and security.

Climate change is depleting fresh water resources and food production Climate change induced natural disasters are causing acute food insecurity, increasing droughts leading to exodus of agricultural workers, unemployment and persistent food insecurity. . The COP-26, after the United Nations Food System Summit, revealed the fact that food systems inequality and crisis are the cause of not getting enough food for everyone. About 811 million people are forced to go to bed hungry.

According to the beliefs of Hinduism, the first crop of creation was barley, so it is a tradition to sow them in earthen pots before worshiping the goddess in Navratri. Barley is a complete crop. It is not only the importance of sowing barley in Navratri Puja, but how fast it grows, it is important. Barley grown for worship in Navratri is called "Jaware". During Navratri, jowar is sown in earthen pots in temples, houses and puja pandals. Water is offered to them regularly. Due to which they gradually sprout and grow and look like a green crop. At the end of Navratri, they are immersed in the flowing water. Actually, the logic behind this tradition of sowing barley in Navratri is that barley was the first crop at the beginning of creation. This practice of sowing barley teaches us to always respect our grains and grains. We offer this crop to Mother Goddess. This sorghum is grown. While sowing barley on the ground in the house of worship, barley is sown by mixing cow dung in the soil while meditating on Maa Durga.

Jaware is grown in earthen pots. This earthenware is a symbol of earth. In this pot, half filled with clean black soil and cow dung powder. Which is a symbol of the fertility of the land. After this, water is sprinkled on it, which establishes the importance of water for Khoti. When the soil becomes moist, soaked barley or wheat grains are sown in it. This process of sowing seeds is a symbol of growing a healthy and good crop. Since it is grown in a symbolic form, at the end of Navratri, this jewel is offered in a river or reservoir. That is, the elements of nature are handed back to nature in a healthy form.

On the basis of the color and quality of jowar, the prediction of the upcoming crop is also done. If there is less fertile and polluted soil then the sorghum will not grow well. Even if the water is polluted and unsuitable, the sorghum will not grow well. On the other hand, sorghum sown in fertile soil in a suitable clay pot, after getting good water containing mineral elements, rises fast and in good color. This tradition of sowing seeds also adds to the importance of farming to those who do not cultivate. Knowing the importance of agriculture and food grains, we can understand the increasing food crisis in the world. There is a belief behind sowing barley that food is Brahma and it should be respected.

According to a special report on climate change and land that The current food system (production, transport, processing, packaging, storage, retail, consumption, loss and waste) feeds the great majority of world population and supports the livelihoods of over 1 billion people. Since 1961, food supply per capita has increased more than 30%, accompanied by greater use of nitrogen fertilizers and water resources for irrigation. However, an estimated 821 million people are currently undernourished, 151 million children under five are stunted, 613 million women and girls aged 15 to 49 suffer from iron deficiency, and 2 billion adults are overweight or obese. The food system is under pressure from non-climate stressors, and from climate change. These climate and non-climate stresses are impacting the four pillars of food security (availability, access, utilization, and stability). So we can see given increasing extreme events and global and cross-sectoral interconnectedness, the food system is at increasing risk of disruption, for example, via migration and conflict due to climate change.

Therefore, we have to be aware of the production, storage, protection and equitable distribution of food grains in the same way as we are aware of the Jaware and try to have good and healthy Jaware. We can bring awareness among the common people by finding ways to control the problems arising due to climate change in scientific religious beliefs and traditions. For example, in India it is not considered good to leave food on the plate, so the traditional people take only as much food on their plate as they can eat. There is no wastage of food grains. Similarly, Jaware also teaches the nuances of farming to women, men and children, whether they are farmers or not. This also brings awareness to agriculture in the minds of non-agriculturists. In fact, such traditions are not just religious rituals but give us practical knowledge about nature and natural substances, seasons, atmosphere and climate. That is why from the jaware we can get the signs of facing food crisis.

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 (02.10.2022)

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