Jau (Barley) grains

Barley grains for use in puja and homa ceremonies. The sowing of barley during Navratri is the symbolic of the first fruit. It signifies growth, prosperity and abundance. On the first day of the Navratri, grains of barley are planted in the puja room of the house. Every day some water is sprinkled on it. On the tenth day, the shoots are about 3 - 5 inches in length. After the Navratri Puja, these seedlings are submerged in water. This custom suggests a link to harvesting and is also indicates fertility. It is believed that the length of the shoots determines the quantum of income that they will have in coming six months.