Harela Festival of Uttarakhand

Current Context : Sawan officially begins (July 16th) with the lively Harela festival celebrated throughout Uttarakhand.

• This traditional celebration, which symbolises wealth and well-being, is very important to the area’s agriculture and culture.

About Festival :

• Harela, which translates to “day of greenery,” is celebrated in the fifth month of the lunar calendar.
• It honours Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati while highlighting the link between wealth and flora, which is particularly dear to the Kumaon community.
• Prior to the onset of Sawan, a dikori (sacred pot) was chosen for sowing Harela seeds.
• Over nine days, wheat, barley, and other seeds are nurtured with daily waterings.
• On the tenth day, harela is harvested, symbolising happiness and agricultural bounty.