What are millets called In Hindi and their names in other Indian languages?

What are millets called In Hindi and their names in other Indian languages?
Did you know that there are nearly 20 varieties of millets available the world over? Seven of them are commonly found in Indian kitchens under various names! It is surprising to see an ancient grain like millet which finds mention in the Neolithic era be relegated to obscurity or be seen as a poor man’s food in today’s time.

But all that is set to change!

With 2023 being declared as the International year of millets, there is a growing awareness about the health benefits of millets. With millet farming promoting sustainable and organic agriculture processes, it is also being seen as a crop that can support fighting climate change and global hunger.

Millet is a group of highly valuable nutrition-dense small seeded grass widely grown in the areas of India. The tiny-size millet is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is rich in vitamin B, calcium, iron potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It is also a wonderful grain to be included in the diet if you suffer from diabetes, or celiac disease or are looking to reduce weight.

Even if you are new to the millet world, chances are you have eaten millet as a child under some local name or the other. With India being a diverse country, rich in languages and food culture, the various millets available in India are known by various names in different native languages.

We decided to compile all the various names that the millets are known by in India. While this is not exhaustive, we have tried to cover most of the common names. Let's see the local names of Millet

  1. PEARL MILLET AKA BAJRA:
  • 85% of bajra is grown in Rajasthan. ...
  • Maharashtra grows 20%, Gujarat grows 12.5%
Language / Region Pearl millet
HindiBajra
OdiaBajra/Gathia/Katenga/Katreng
TamilKambu
TeluguSajjalu
KannadaSajje
MalayalamKambam
MarathiBajri
PunjabiBajra
GujaratiBajri
BengaliBajra

Rajasthan Special: Bajra Khichadi

Ingredients

  • 1 cup bajra
  • 1 tbs rice
  • ¼ cup green gram split
  • ½ cup ghee
  • Salt to taste

Method :

  • Wash the bajara and put in some water and soak it.
  • Soak rice and dals.
  • Coarsely pulse the bajra in the mixture.
  • In a pan add 5 cups of water, then add the bajra in it, and stir continuously.
  • Add soaked rice and dal in it, and add salt.
  • Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of ghee in it. Cook it on low heat, and keep staring.
  • Serve hot with a dollop of ghee.

  1. FINGER MILLET     AKA RAGI:

Ragi is majorly grown in Karnataka, and the regional special ragi mudde is cooked in every home. It is a local favorite and is nutrient-dense, and delicious. 

Language / Region FINGER MILLET
HindiNachani/Mundua/Mandika/Marwah
OdiaMandia
TamilKezhvaragu/Kelvaragu/Keppai/Ragi
TeluguRagula/Ragi Chodi
KannadaRagi
MalayalamPanji Pullu
MarathiNagli/Nachni
PunjabiMandhuka/Mandhal
GujaratiNagli/Bavto
BengaliMarwa

 

  1. FOXTAIL MILLET AKA KANG

Foxtail millet is grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Rajasthan. Foxtail millet upma is very famous. Adding a variety of local veggies and sprouts makes this upma more delicious and nutritious.

LANGUAGE /REGION FOXTAIL MILLET
OdiaKangu/Kang/Gondli
HindiKangni/Kakum/Rala
TamilThinai
TeluguKorra
KannadaNavane
MalayalamThina
MarathiKang/Rala
PunjabiKangni
GujaratiKang
BengaliKaon

 

  1. KODO MILLET AKA KODRA:

It is grown mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Kodo pulao is famous. 

LANGUAGE/REGION KODO MILLETS
HindiKoden/Kodra
OdiaKodo
TamilVaragu
TeluguArikelu/Arika
KannadaHarka
MalayalamKoovaragu
MarathiKodra
PunjabiKodra
GujaratiKodra
BengaliKodo

 

  1. LITTLE MILLET

Little millet is grown in Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Little millet upma is also commonly consumed and liked by many. It is also seen as a fasting delicacy.

LANGUAGE /REGION LITTLE MILLET
HindiKutki/Shavan
OdiaSuan/Koshla/Kuiri/Gurji
TamilSaamai
TeluguSama/Samalu
KannadaSaame/Save
MalayalamChama
MarathiSava/Halvi/Vari
PunjabiSwank
GujaratiGajro/Kuri
BengaliSama

 

  1. BARNYARD MILLET:

Branyard millet is grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

LANGUAGE / REGION BARNYARD MILLET
HindiJhangora/Sanwa
OdiaBila Suan/Kheera
TamilKuthiravali (Kuthiraivolly)
TeluguUdalu, Kodisama
KannadaOodalu
MalayalamKavadapullu
Marathi-
PunjabiSwank
Gujarati-
BengaliShyama

 

  1. SORGHUM

Jowar is grown in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Jowar roti and khichdi are also very commonly consumed across these states.

LANGUAGE / REGION SORGHUM
HindiJowar
OdiaJanha/Khedjana/Gangei/Janjarla
TamilCholam
TeluguJonna
KannadaJola
MalayalamCholam
MarathiJowari/Jondhala
PunjabiJowar
GujaratiJowari/Juara
Bengali

Jowar

 

Chefs and home cooks alike are experimenting with a lot of millets and dishes like millet dosa, millet upma, Mixed Millet Bhel Puri, Millet Burger, Bajra Tartlets with Fruit Custard, Ragi Wheat Dosa, Jowar Medley, Foxtail Millet Porridge are gaining immense popularity.

If you want some interesting recipes and ready mixes to include millets in your daily diet head over to https://skyroots.in

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