saccharum munja

Saccharum munja, known as munja (Hindi: मुंज) is a grass found in arid areas and along river banks in India. it belongs to the family Gramineae. It grows up to 2 meters (7 feet) in height. Its white flowers are of ornamental value. A rope made of munja grass is tied three timea around the waist of the boy undergoing the Hindu Upanayana initiation ritual. The initant is also invested with a cotton janeu cord, worn like a sash over his left shoulder. In some language, the initiation is itself called ...