India

The Glory of the Soil and the Tradition of the World’s Provider: Shri Jagdishchandra Bariya’s Herculean Effort to Preserve Culture

Published

on

In today’s digital and computer age, where human life is rapidly changing, the Indian farmer still holds fast to ancient cultural traditions with all his heart. Amidst the era of science and technology, Shri Jagdishchandra Bariya has undertaken the inspiring task of preserving—and showcasing to society—the invaluable culture and sacred practices of farmers that were otherwise fading into oblivion.

Boundless Faith in Mother Earth and Compassion for Living Beings
Shri Jagdishchandra Bariya highlights the profound values inherent in a farmer’s life—values that see the farmer begin his work only after offering obeisance to Mother Earth.

The First Right of Birds and Creatures
A farmer never immediately claims exclusive rights over the fresh grain harvested through his hard work. Jagdishchandra Bariya notes that before consuming the new grain himself, the farmer scatters feed for the birds of the sky and sets aside a portion for the creatures and insects of the earth.

The Spirit of Co-existence:
Shri Jagdishchandra Bariya regards this noble tradition—wherein the farmer brings the new grain into his home only after ensuring that every living being in nature has been fed—as a true jewel of our culture. Welcoming Nephews and Relatives: The ‘Doda’ (Fresh Corn/Grain) Tradition
In our ancient traditions, the nephew holds a highly revered place. Shri Jagdishchandra Bariya has beautifully highlighted this sacred family custom practiced by farming communities:

The Tradition of Offering ‘Doda’: When a new crop of maize, sorghum (juwar), or pearl millet (bajra) is ready in the fields, the farmer extends a special invitation to his nephews and relatives. Fresh green cobs or grain heads (doda or kans) are roasted or prepared as ponk (tender roasted grain) and served to the nephew with great affection—making him the first to taste the new harvest.

Selflessness and Respect:
The farmer tastes the new grain himself only after his nephews and relatives have partaken of it. Shri Jagdishchandra Bariya regards this selfless sentiment of the farmer as truly worthy of reverence in today’s times.

Unwavering Generosity Amidst Nature’s Blows
Shri Jagdishchandra Bariya gives voice to a poignant yet noble reality of a farmer’s life: no matter how many harsh blows nature deals—be it drought, excessive rain, or crop failure—the farmer never utters a bitter word.
Despite enduring all these hardships, the farmer never fails to set aside a share of the harvest for his loved ones, as well as for birds and other living creatures. Only after feeding everyone else does he put the last grain of food into his own mouth.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending

Exit mobile version