Every July, as the monsoon clouds gather over the Himalayan foothills, the state of Uttarakhand bursts into celebration with Harela, a festival rooted in agriculture, spirituality, and ecology. In 2025, Harela transformed into a full-fledged people’s movement for environmental consciousness, especially in Dehradun, where massive plantation drives and community rituals highlighted the state’s commitment to green growth.
“Harela” means “Day of Green.” It symbolizes fertility, renewal, and gratitude toward nature, with rituals tied to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
This year, Harela was not just symbolic—it was transformational. The state government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, launched a record-breaking green drive, turning the festival into a large-scale ecological initiative.
The original target for 2025 was 5 lakh saplings—3 lakh in Garhwal and 2 lakh in Kumaon. However, the campaign exceeded expectations. Over 8.13 lakh saplings were planted across all 13 districts on July 16. Plantations took place in schools, temples, parks, Anganwadis, Van Panchayats, and alongside roads and rivers.
Harela 2025 in Dehradun and across Uttarakhand stood out as more than a festival—it was a powerful statement of community-driven environmental action, bringing traditional celebration into harmony with contemporary sustainability goals.
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