Barley is known as Jau in Hindi and Yava in Sanskrit. It is used in rituals, pujas and worship associated with Hinduism. Barley is regarded as a symbol of wealth and abundance in Hindu religion.
Jau is widely used in Hindu ceremonies related to birth, wedding, funeral etc. It also constitutes one of the important components in homa – the fire ritual.
The major producing states of Barley in India are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and West Bengal. Barley is grown for many purposes, but the majority of all barley is used for animal feed or malting.