Harela is a traditional festival celebrated in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is primarily observed by the Kumaoni and Garhwali communities. The word “Harela” translates to “day of green” and it marks the beginning of the rainy season and the onset of the sowing season. Here are some key aspects of the Harela festival:

1. Timing: Harela is celebrated thrice a year, but the most significant one is in the Hindu month of Shravan (around July-August). This is the Shravan Harela, which is associated with the onset of the monsoon.
2. Agricultural Significance: Harela symbolizes the importance of agriculture and the environment. It marks the time for sowing new crops, and thus, has a profound significance for farmers.
3. Rituals and Traditions:
   • Sowing Seeds: Ten days before the festival, people sow seeds of various grains like barley, wheat, and maize in small baskets filled with soil. These seeds germinate by the time of Harela, symbolizing prosperity and growth.
   • Worship: On the day of Harela, people worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, seeking blessings for a good harvest and the well-being of their families.
   • Family and Community Activities: People prepare traditional meals, sing folk songs, and perform dances. They also exchange the green shoots (Harela) among friends and family as a token of good luck and prosperity.
4. Environmental Awareness: In recent times, Harela has also become an occasion to promote environmental awareness. Tree planting drives and environmental conservation activities are often organized around this time to reinforce the importance of protecting nature.
5. Cultural Heritage: Harela is not just a festival but a representation of the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. It reflects the close bond between the people and their natural surroundings.

The origin of Harela

it is deeply rooted in the agrarian and cultural traditions of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand, India. This festival has ancient origins and is tied to the agricultural practices and religious beliefs of the local communities. Here’s an overview of the historical and cultural background of Harela:

1. Agrarian Roots:
   • Harela is fundamentally linked to the agricultural calendar. It marks the beginning of the sowing season, especially for the Kharif crops (monsoon crops). The festival celebrates the onset of the monsoon, which is crucial for agriculture in this hilly region.
   • Traditionally, the festival was a way for farmers to pray for a bountiful harvest and to celebrate the fertility of the soil. The sowing of seeds in small baskets before the festival symbolizes the start of this important agricultural cycle.
2. Religious and Mythological Connections:
   • Harela is associated with Hindu mythology and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are widely worshipped in the region. The festival is seen as a celebration of the divine union and the fertility of the earth.
   • In some beliefs, it is said that the festival commemorates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and thus, it holds a significant place in the religious practices of the local people.
3. Cultural Significance:
   • The festival has been an integral part of the Kumaoni and Garhwali cultural identity for centuries. It is a time for family reunions, community bonding, and the reaffirmation of social ties.
   • Folk songs, dances, and traditional rituals performed during Harela reflect the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
4. Environmental Awareness:
   • Over time, Harela has also come to symbolize the importance of environmental conservation. The practice of planting trees and caring for the environment is often highlighted during this festival, emphasizing the community’s respect for nature and the need to protect it.