Kumaon hills gear up for Harela festival with traditional fervour and ecological commitment
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Bageshwar: People across the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand are preparing to celebrate Harela on Wednesday, marking the arrival of the
monsoon
and the sacred month of Shravan. The festival, reflecting the agricultural and ecological heritage of the state, re-affirms the state's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Preparations had commenced nine days ago, with families utilising clean soil to plant seven varieties of grains – including paddy, maize, black soybean (bhatt) and lentils – in earthen pots or bamboo containers. On the tenth day, the sprouted greens, representing abundance and fertility, are harvested, presented to deities and distributed amongst family members and relatives as blessings.
"This tradition has continued for centuries.
The green shoots are believed to indicate the health of the upcoming harvest. Even twigs planted on this day tend to grow well, which villagers consider a divine sign of nature's favour," said Bhagwat Singh, an elder from Bageshwar.
The festival features religious ceremonies, sapling plantations and community gatherings where people receive blessings from elders. Homes display clay idols of Lord Shiva's family, while residents sing folk songs as part of the festivities.
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Highlighting Harela's scientific significance, professor KS Rawat from the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) in Bageshwar, said, "In remote hilly areas without formal agricultural labs, this festival offers a natural way to test soil and seed quality. A healthy Harela crop indicates good seed and fertile soil, while a poor one calls for corrective action."
This year's festival focuses on environmental consciousness through initiatives such as "A Tree in Mother's Name" and "Celebrate Harela, Repay Mother Earth". Officials said over two lakh saplings will be planted in public parks, riverbanks, forest areas, school premises, govt offices and residential areas in the Kumaon region.
"Harela is not just a religious event," said Bhagwati Devi, a local resident. "It's a time of shared joy, music, and a deep connection with nature and each other."
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