Bhagar (भगर) is a Hindi/Marathi name for Barnyard Millet, scientifically known as Echinochloa frumentacea or Echinochloa colona. In English, it is called Barnyard Millet or Indian Barnyard Millet. In Hindi it is also known as Samak (समक) or Sama (समा), and in Marathi it is called Vari (वरी). Bhagar is widely consumed during Hindu religious fasts (vrat) like Navratri and Ekadashi as it is considered a 'non-grain' permissible during fasting.
Bhagar (भगर) in English = Barnyard Millet.
Scientific name: Echinochloa frumentacea (Indian barnyard millet).
Also known as: Sama/Samak (Hindi), Vari (Marathi), Jhangora (Uttarakhand), Sama rice.
Used during Hindu fasts (Navratri, Ekadashi) — permitted as a 'non-grain'.
Nutritious: high fibre (9.8g/100g), protein 6.2g, iron 5mg.
Drought-resistant kharif crop grown in Maharashtra, UP, Uttarakhand.
Tamil name: Kuthiraivali; Telugu: Udalu; Sanskrit: Shyamaka.
Popular dishes: Sama khichdi, Bhagar kheer, Vari bhat.
English name: Barnyard Millet / Indian Barnyard Millet Scientific name: Echinochloa frumentacea / Echinochloa colona
Regional names: Language | Name Hindi | भगर (Bhagar), समा (Sama), समक (Samak), सांवां Marathi | वरी (Vari), भगर (Bhagar) Gujarati | ભગ (Bhag), સામો (Samo) Telugu | ఉడలు (Udalu) Kannada | ಊದಲು (Udalu) Tamil | குதிரைவாலி (Kuthiraivali) Bengali | শ্যামা (Shyama) English | Barnyard Millet, Japanese Millet, Indian Millet Sanskrit | श्यामाक (Shyamaka)
Other common names: • Sama rice (popular term in North India) • Jhangora (Uttarakhand) • Moraiyo (Gujarat) • Kuthiraivali (Tamil Nadu)
Nutritional value (per 100g of Barnyard Millet): • Calories: ~299 kcal • Protein: ~6.2g • Carbohydrates: ~65g • Dietary Fibre: ~9.8g (high) • Fat: ~3.9g • Iron: ~5 mg • Calcium: ~20mg • Good source of B vitamins
Why Bhagar is consumed during fasts (Vrat): • Bhagar/Sama is NOT a grain (cereal) in the traditional Hindu classification • Traditional Hindu fasting rules prohibit eating regular grains (wheat, rice, lentils, etc.) • Barnyard millet, water chestnut, amaranth, buckwheat, etc. are permitted during fasts • These are classified as 'phalahar' (fruit-food) suitable for vrat
Popular Bhagar/Sama dishes: • Sama rice (cooked like regular rice during Navratri) • Sama khichdi • Sama pulao • Samak ke chawal (bhagar rice) • Bhagar ki kheer • Vari bhat (Marathi)
Agricultural facts: • Bhagar is a drought-resistant millet — grows in poor soil conditions • Kharif crop (sown in June–July, harvested September–October) • Grown in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand • One of the ancient crops of India — mentioned in Ayurvedic texts • ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute) promotes millet cultivation
Bhagar (भगर) in English is Barnyard Millet. Scientifically known as Echinochloa frumentacea. It is also called Sama rice, Samak, Jhangora, or Indian Barnyard Millet. In Marathi, it is called Vari (वरी).
Bhagar (Barnyard Millet) is eaten during Hindu fasts (vrat) like Navratri and Ekadashi because it is not classified as a grain (cereal) in the traditional Hindu fasting rules. Regular grains like wheat, rice, and lentils are prohibited during fasts, but 'non-grain' foods like barnyard millet, water chestnut, amaranth, and buckwheat are permitted.
Yes, Bhagar is nutritious. Per 100g: ~299 kcal, ~6.2g protein, ~65g carbohydrates, ~9.8g dietary fibre (high), ~5mg iron. It is high in dietary fibre which aids digestion, and is a good source of iron and B vitamins.
Epilepsy Meaning in Hindi
Epilepsy meaning in Hindi is मिर्गी (Mirgi) or अपस्मार (Apasmar). Epilepsy = a neurological disorder causing recurring seizures. Causes, symptoms, and treatment in Hindi.
Feminine Meaning in Hindi
Feminine meaning in Hindi is स्त्रीलिंग (Striling) or नारीवाचक (Narivachak). Feminine = relating to women or the female gender. Grammar and usage explained.
Flatter Meaning in Hindi
Flatter meaning in Hindi is चापलूसी करना (chaaplusi karna) or खुशामद करना. To flatter = to praise someone excessively to please them. Full explanation with examples.
Form Meaning in Hindi — All Meanings Explained
Form meaning in Hindi: रूप (roop = shape/form), प्रपत्र (prapatra = printed form), आकार (aakar = shape). All meanings of 'form' with Hindi translations and examples.
गंगा का पर्यायवाची शब्द (Ganga ka Paryayvachi)
परीक्षाओं के लिए गंगा नदी के सभी प्रमुख पर्यायवाची शब्द (भागीरथी, मंदाकिनी, सुरसरि आदि) उनके अर्थ और वाक्य प्रयोग के साथ जानें।
Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.