Sawan 2025: ‘Harela’ festival celebrated in Haridwar; Know what is its importance

The word Harela itself indicates greenery and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm three times a year – in the months of Chaitra, Shravan and Ashwin.

Haridwar: Harela festival celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is not just a festival, but a living symbol of connection with nature, respect for greenery and wish for prosperity. The word Harela itself indicates greenery and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm three times a year - in the months of Chaitra, Shravan and Ashwin.

According to the Dynamite News correspondent, Harela of Chaitra month is a symbol of the arrival of spring season and preparation of fields. On this occasion, the family members sow seeds of wheat, barley, paddy etc. in small pots at home. After nine days, when it germinates, the elders of the house cut it and place it on the head of all the members of the house as a blessing. It is considered a symbol of good yield of the new crop and wish for prosperity.

The importance of Harela festival increases even more in the month of Shravan because this month is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the month of Sawan, nature also wears a blanket of greenery. Nine days before the onset of Sawan in Ashadh, seeds of wheat, barley, gahat, bhatt, urad, mustard etc. are sown. It is irrigated by sprinkling water on it daily and is harvested on the first day of Sawan. It is cut and given as a blessing to every member of the family and saplings are also planted to maintain greenery in the house and courtyard. This festival is directly related to environmental protection, which is why it is considered a powerful medium to connect the new generation with nature.

Harela is sown on the first day of Navratri in the month of Ashwin and is harvested on Vijayadashami. It is also called Dussehra Harela and this festival not only preserves the agricultural culture but also makes it a symbol of happiness, prosperity and mutual love in the family.

The specialty of Harela festival is also reflected in its blessings. While putting Harela, Kumaoni people say - "Jee Rahe, Jaagi Rahe, Dharti Jaas Aagaad, Aagaas Jaas Chakov Hai Jaya, Syau Jaas Taran, Syav Jaasi Buddh Ho, Jathi Teki Bhaira Jaya." The meaning of these lines is - Live, stay awake, be tolerant like the earth, vast like the sky, courageous like the lion and intelligent like the fox. These words connect the new generation to the values of life and the roots of tradition.

In today's changing environmental era, Harela festival gives the message of connecting with nature and preserving greenery. This is the reason why it is celebrated as Hariyali festival in Uttarakhand as well as in some parts of Himachal Pradesh. Harela festival is actually a symbol of Kumaon's cultural heritage and sensitivity towards nature, which awakens a new consciousness every year.