Harela 2024: Know the date, origin, significance, celebrations and more

A festival of peace, prosperity, and greenery, the festival of Harela is steeped in tradition and holds great cultural and environmental significance. It embodies the faith and prayers of people seeking bountiful harvests and prosperity from the divine, aligning with the ceremonial observance of the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.

Here is all you need to know about Harela 2024: Date and origin

Harela 2024 is set to be celebrated on July 16, marking the beginning of the monsoon season. This is an important time for the state’s agriculture. The term “Harela” comes from the Kumaoni word “Hariyala,” which means “Day of Green.” It is believed to have originated in the Kumaon region.

The festival is known as Hariyali or Rihyali in Kangra, Shimla, Sirmour, and Dakhrain in the Jubbal and Kinnaur regions of Himachal Pradesh. People celebrate by praying for a good harvest and prosperity.

The festival is tied to the ceremonial observance of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which is considered auspicious for farmers as it initiates the planting phase in their fields.

Harela 2024: Significance and Celebrations

Harela 2024: Here’s all you need to know. (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)

Harela festivities begin many days before the festival day. People clean and adorn their homes with greenery and flowers. They also make traditional foods such as Bhatt ki Churkani, Baadi, and Gulgula.

People rise early on festival days to worship the goddess Parvati. They also visit temples and pray to other deities, such as Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. One of the Harela festival’s important customs is seed planting, in which participants plant barley or wheat seeds, water them daily, and let the plants develop for a few days.  On the day of the celebration, the young plants are removed and presented to friends and family as a sign of good fortune.