This year, the Harela Mela festivities began on July 16.
Harela Mela is an important festival celebrated in Kumaon, Uttarakhand. Harela is a plant grown by sowing seeds of seven types of cereals.
There is no denying the stunning beauty of Uttarakhand and its rich culture. Folk festivals, lifestyle and food are all connected with nature. One of the popular festivals of the state, Harela Mela, is also rooted in nature. While many celebrate this festival twice a year, it is primarily a part of the Sawan/Shravan festivities. It also symbolises the growing season. People here believe that the bigger the Harela, the more prosperity there will be in the family.
Harela Mela is a major festival celebrated in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand. Harela is a plant grown by sowing seeds of seven types of cereals. This year, the festivities of Harela Mela began on July 16. Nainital resident Pandit Prakash Joshi, in an interview with Local18, shared that this year the Harela festival will be celebrated on July 16.
People sow grains at home 10-11 days before the festival begins and on Karka Sankranti day, the cutting of Harela is done. He added that the folk festival is dedicated to nature and is celebrated on Karka Sankranti and the first day of Shravan. The festival is also dedicated to agricultural science.
Before sowing the seven grains, the soil is removed and placed in a clean place near the house a few days before the festival and then dried. For sowing Harela, large leaves of Malu or Timla, which are called Khopi, are used. The seeds sown are of paddy, wheat, maize, rice, urad, gahat and sesame. Harela is kept in the corner of the temple and is protected from the sun's rays. Within two to three days, the plant sprouts, after which the girls of the house have to water it every day.
In many places, Brahmin families make idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati and Ganesh by placing cotton in clay in the middle of Harela. Even idols of Kartikeya are made. These idols are worshipped and offered with seasonal fruits. On the day of Harela, Pandit Ji does Pran Pratishtha of Harela in the temple. Various food items are prepared, especially Urad Pakodi along with Puri. Plants are placed in pots and people take a pledge to protect nature.
Even in Haldwani, a fair has been organised at the Parvatiya Cultural Utthan Manch, located in Hirangar, which was inaugurated by MP Sumit along with outgoing Mayor Jogendra Pal Singh Rautela. The fair highlights the customs of the hills through the various programmes of Kumaoni. Self-help groups have set up several stalls.
The Harela festival will be celebrated for five days and as part of the fair, various games will also be organised along with cultural programmes. In the evening, Pahadi artists will perform and important information will also be imparted at the fair.
