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Mark your calendars for July 16 because it's time to celebrate Harela! This traditional festival is primarily celebrated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and marks the beginning of the monsoon season. The word "harela" means greenery, and this day is all about planting new seeds and welcoming the bountiful rainfall that will come with the monsoon. It's a joyful occasion filled with music, dancing, and feasting on delicious local cuisine. So join in on the festivities and let's welcome nature's blessings with open arms on Harela!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Harela's Early History</div><div class='timeline-text'>Harela, the festival of greenery, starts being celebrated to mark the advent of the monsoon season in Uttarakhand.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>After India's independence, the government begins recognizing and promoting regional celebrations like Harela.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cultural Preservation Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>Efforts to preserve, document, and promote Harela and its cultural significance are intensified.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Educational Initiatives</div><div class='timeline-text'>Schools in Uttarakhand begin incorporating Harela activities, educating younger generations about this traditional festival.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Biodiversity Conservation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Harela becomes a platform for biodiversity conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of living in harmony with nature.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continuing Traditions</div><div class='timeline-text'>Harela continues to be celebrated annually, fostering community spirit and respect for nature's bounty.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plant a tree</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Harela is a festival that celebrates nature and the environment. What better way to honor this holiday than by planting a tree? Gather some friends and family and make it a fun activity for everyone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Clean up a local park or beach</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In the spirit of Harela, organize a clean-up event at a local park or beach. This is a great way to give back to the environment and make a positive impact in your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a nature-inspired craft</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Tap into your creative side and make a nature-inspired craft to celebrate Harela. You can use materials like leaves, flowers, and twigs to create beautiful and unique decorations for your home.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Harela festival or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and communities organize Harela festivals and events to celebrate this holiday. Attend one and immerse yourself in the culture, food, and traditions of Harela.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare a traditional Harela meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Food is an important part of any celebration, so why not prepare a traditional Harela meal? Research recipes and gather ingredients to make a delicious and authentic meal to enjoy with your loved ones on Harela.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Harela celebrates nature and its importance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Harela is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand to mark the beginning of the rainy season. It is a reminder to appreciate and protect nature, which plays a vital role in our lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and community spirit</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Harela is traditionally celebrated by planting saplings and distributing them to friends, family, and neighbors. This brings people together and fosters a sense of community spirit, promoting harmony and cooperation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It spreads awareness about environment conservation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to promoting nature appreciation, Harela also serves as a platform for educating people about the need for environmental conservation. It encourages individuals to take small steps towards preserving our planet for future generations.</p></div></div>
<div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">1</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Harela is associated with agricultural prosperity</h3><p class="facts-content">Harela is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu Navratras and is seen as a symbol of agricultural prosperity, where the monsoon rain helps the newly sown crops grow.</p></div></div><div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">2</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Grass 'Dolls' are created in the Harela festival</h3><p class="facts-content">During the festival, people create small 'dolls' out of grass blades. Named 'Harela', these dolls represent the lord of the harvest and signify a good crop yield.</p></div></div><div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">3</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Fasting is a Harela tradition</h3><p class="facts-content">Many locals observe strict fasts known as 'Vratas' on this day, consuming strictly vegetarian meals and refraining from harmful activities to show reverence towards nature.</p></div></div><div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">4</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Animals are also respected during Harela</h3><p class="facts-content">In Uttarakhand, animals play an integral role in farming. During Harela, many farmers pay respects to their cattle and other farm animals as a token of appreciation.</p></div></div><div class="facts-item"><div class="facts-number-wrapper"><p class="facts-number">5</p></div><div class="facts-core-content"><h3 class="facts-title">Harela celebrations span several days</h3><p class="facts-content">While Harela is primarily celebrated on July 16, the festivities can stretch over several days. Many people continue planting and conducting auspicious activities until the full moon rises.</p></div></div>
Harela is celebrated on July 16th every year. In 2024 Harela will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Jul 16
Sunday
2024
Jul 16
Tuesday
2025
Jul 16
Wednesday
2026
Jul 16
Thursday
2027
Jul 16
Friday
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