Harela Festival: Uttarakhand's Celebration of Monsoon & Nature

What is Harela?

Harela (हरेला) is one of the most important festivals of Uttarakhand, celebrated primarily during the month of Shravan (July-August). The word "Harela" comes from "Hara" meaning green, symbolizing greenery, growth, and the onset of the monsoon season.

When is Harela Celebrated?

Harela falls on the first day of Shravan month according to the Hindu calendar. The preparations begin 10 days before the actual festival.

The Rituals

Sowing the Seeds (10 Days Before)

The celebration begins ten days before the festival day:

1. Women fill a ringal basket or earthen pot with soil
2. Seven types of seeds are sown — wheat, barley, rice, gahat, mustard, corn, and urad
3. The container is placed in a dark room
4. Water is sprinkled daily to keep the soil moist

Harela Day

On the festival day:

• The tender green shoots (called harela) are plucked
• Elders place the shoots on the heads of family members as a blessing
• The traditional blessing says: "Jeev raya, jagya raya, youn hi haryali raya" (May you live long, stay awake, and remain evergreen like this)

The harela shoots symbolize a good harvest and prosperity. Taller, greener shoots are considered especially auspicious — a sign that the coming agricultural season will be bountiful.

Dikare (Clay Figurines)

A unique tradition associated with Harela is the making of Dikare — small clay figurines of gods like Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. These are:

• Made from local clay
• Painted in bright colors
• Placed in the prayer room
• Worshipped on Harela day

Significance

Harela holds deep ecological significance:

• Agricultural — marks the sowing season for kharif crops
• Environmental — celebrates nature's renewal during monsoon
• Social — brings families together for blessings and feasting
• Spiritual — connects to the worship of Lord Shiva and Parvati

Regional Variations

Traditional Food

Harela celebrations include special dishes:

• Urad dal ke pakode (fritters)
• Aloo ke gutke (spiced potatoes)
• Jhangora ki kheer (millet pudding)
• Bal mithai (traditional sweet)

Modern Celebrations

In recent years, Harela has been adopted as an official tree-planting day by the Uttarakhand government. Millions of saplings are planted across the state on this day, making it one of India's largest green festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Harela celebrated in 2025?

Harela is celebrated on the first day of Shravan month (July-August). In 2025 it falls around July 16th. Preparations begin 10 days before by sowing seven types of seeds.

What is the significance of Harela festival?

Harela celebrates the onset of monsoon and the sowing season. It symbolizes greenery, growth, and prosperity. Elders bless younger family members by placing green shoots on their heads.

How is Harela different from other Uttarakhand festivals?

Harela is unique because it combines agriculture, ecology, and family blessings. It also includes making Dikare (clay figurines) of gods and has been adopted as an official tree-planting day by the state government.