Uttarakhand

• 19 Jul 2024

Harela Festival 2024

Why in News?

Harela is a Hindu festival celebrated in Uttarakhand and some regions of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the Kumaun region with great enthusiasm.

Key Points

• Harela falls on the first day of Shravan-Maas, according to the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, marking the start of the monsoon season and the planting of new crops.
  • This is an important time for the state's agriculture as it marks the "Harela," derived from the Kumaoni word "Hariyala," meaning "Day of Green," believed to have originated in the Kumaon region.
• The festival Hariyali or Rihyali is celebrated in Kangra, Shimla. Sirmour, and Dakhrain in the Jubbal and Kinnaur regions of Himachal Pradesh, where people pray for a good harvest and prosperity.
  • The festival is associated with the ceremonial celebration of the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
  • This event is considered auspicious for farmers, as it signifies the start of the planting season in their fields.