Rice - spiritual

Rice is primarily a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Hindus particularly associate rice with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Paddy stalks or unhusked paddy are worshipped as embodying the goddess.

Rice and religion

In peninsular India, there are numerous festivals connected with the sowing, planting and harvesting of rice. Major harvest festivals include Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Onam in Kerala, Huthri in Coorg (Kodagu). Rice, tinted with the auspicious yellow colour of turmeric, is showered onto newly-married couples, and is part of numerous rites and celebrations. It is offered to the deities and used as an oblation in the sacred fire of Hindu ritual.
Photo of a groom-to-be, dressed in white enjoys a meal of rice before the ceremony.
Rice is used in many Indian celebrations, including weddings.

Rice features in many legends about the Buddha's life. In a famous tale, he was offered a bowl of milk and rice by a young woman named Sujata, which gave him renewed strength during his austerities in pursuit of Enlightenment. Sweetened rice thus forms part of offerings to the Buddha in Buddhist ceremonies.

Rice cooked in ghee or clarified butter is said to have been the favourite food of the Prophet Muhammad.