Harela Festival 2025
What is Harela Festival?
Harela is a traditional agrarian festival celebrated predominantly in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, symbolizing the onset of the monsoon and the beginning of the sowing season. The word “Harela” literally means "Day of Green", and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest.
History and Origin of Harela Festival
Harela has its roots in ancient Hindu traditions and is closely linked to the month of Shravan (Sawan) in the Hindu calendar. It is believed to commemorate the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival celebrates nature, fertility, and agriculture, and is observed with rituals that promote environmental consciousness.
Significance of Harela Festival
Aspect | Importance |
Agricultural Significance | Marks the beginning of the sowing season and arrival of rains |
Environmental Message | Promotes tree plantation and greenery |
Religious Aspect | Dedicated to Shiva-Parvati and Mother Earth |
Social Aspect | Involves family rituals, blessings, and community bonding |
How is Harela Celebrated?
Sowing of Seeds (10 Days Before Harela)
- Wheat, barley, and maize seeds are sown in leaf baskets.
- These saplings, called "Harelu", are symbolic of future prosperity.
Ritual Worship
- Families offer prayers to Shiva and Parvati.
- The sprouted shoots are cut and placed on heads as blessings.
Tree Plantation Drive
- People plant saplings and trees to honor nature.
- Schools, villages, and government bodies organize plantation campaigns.
Community Celebrations
- Cultural programs, folk songs (like Jhora, Chanchari, and Jhumeila) are performed.
- Traditional foods and sweets are prepared.
Harela Festival Date – 2025
Year | Date | Day |
2025 | 16 July (tentative) | Wednesday |
Harela is usually celebrated on the first day of Shravan (Sawan month) in the Hindu calendar. The date varies yearly.
Where is Harela Festival Celebrated?
- Kumaon Region: Nainital, Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat.
- Garhwal Region (Emerging observance)
- Some parts of Himachal Pradesh and Nepal Terai.
Cultural Traditions and Folk Practices
- Families clean homes and worship ancestral deities.
- Children create clay idols of deities and decorate with flowers.
- Local fairs, exhibitions, and community meals are organized.
FAQs on Harela Festival 2025
- What is the meaning of Harela?
"Harela" means "greenery" and represents new beginnings and agricultural prosperity.
- Why is Harela important?
It marks the beginning of the monsoon and is vital for farmers to start cultivation.
- How is Harela celebrated in Uttarakhand?
Through rituals, sowing seeds, cutting green shoots, worshipping deities, and planting trees.
- Which god is worshipped on Harela?
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are primarily worshipped.
- Is Harela a government holiday?
In many districts of Uttarakhand, it is observed as a restricted or local holiday.
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