Uttarakhand: CM Dhami planted trees on the occasion of Harela festival, know why and when this festival is celebrated?
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami planted trees in the Chief Minister’s residence complex on the occasion of Harela festival. He planted a sapling of Pusha superior variety of mango. The Chief Minister said that Harela is a festival of conservation and promotion of nature. On the occasion of Harela festival, tree plantation will be done on a large scale through social organizations, institutions and departments in the state. The Chief Minister said that several efforts are being made in the state in the direction of water conservation and revival of water streams. Everyone has been called upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come forward for water conservation and promotion in the country. Rapid work is being done in this direction in the state. More than 1200 Amrit Sarovars have been built in the state. Continuous work will be done in this direction.
Geeta Pushkar Dhami and cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi also planted trees on the occasion of Harela festival. On this occasion, 51 saplings of different species were planted at the Chief Minister’s residence. On this occasion, Additional Secretary Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Chief Forest Conservator Van Panchayat Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Chief Horticulture Officer Dr. Meenakshi Joshi, Horticulture in-charge Deepak Purohit were present.
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Why is Harela celebrated?
According to the scriptures, the month of Shravan and the beginning of the rainy season is considered to be from Harela festival itself. Harele straws are offered to the deity and wishes are made for wealth, protection of milch animals and well-being of the family and nature. Many festivals are celebrated according to the seasons in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, these festivals are keeping alive the tradition and culture here. Harela literally means greenery. Harela has special significance in the month of Shravan because this month is the special month of Lord Shiva. On the occasion of this festival symbolizing the promotion of greenery and natural conservation, people have a tradition of offering Harela to their favorite deities and temples.
Along with this, wishes are made for wealth, grains and happiness and peace of the family. Harela is a festival associated with nature, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, the protectors of nature. On the eve of Harela, there is a tradition of Harkali Pujan i.e. Decker Puja. In this Puja, small idols of Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya are made by taking pure soil from the courtyard of the house. After this these idols are painted with beautiful colours.
After drying, they are decorated, after which these idols are worshiped by placing them in front of Harela and blessings are taken from elders. According to the scriptures, 9 days before Harela, grains are sown by mixing five, seven or nine grains and keeping soil in the pot. Which is kept in the room of the temple. Harela starts sprouting in two to three days, where after 9 days the Harela is worshiped according to the rules and regulations and dedicated to the God and God. Along with this, people pray to God for the prosperity of the family and nature on the festival.
