In this blog, I share information about subjects that interest me. A few of the areas that I include are information related to Pahari cultures and traditions of Uttarakhand (India). My travel guides, spiritual experiences, and a few learnings from my life experiences.
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"Harela"- The green festival of Uttarakhand -India
The green festival of Uttarakhand
I think our ancestors will be aware that there will be an immense
need for a livable environment for their descendants to stay connected to their
roots, therefore, they had planned this festival for us that is known
as "Harela"
This is a festival of greenery, saving the environment by growing more trees, staying close to nature, praying to God for good crops, and is also associated with Indian God "Shiva". This festival is commonly celebrated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
This festival was mainly celebrated by the farmers. Although many people have quit farming they still celebrate this festival for happiness prosperity and peace in their homes.
To symbolize this festival a small figure of crops is grown in a
wooden basket or clay pot. In the soil, we sow 5 or 7 varieties of
cereal seeds. This mixture of seeds contains some locally grown cereals
like "Ghahat", "Bhat", "Urad" (Black gram). This
pot is kept in shadow away from sunlight and watered every day to germinate. It
takes 9-10 days to fully grow into green/yellow color grass know as
"Harela".
On the
tenth day, these leaves are chopped and offered to God and then to the other
family members of the house. The
family members usually bless by singing this regional hymn while offering the
"Harela" to the family members.
In these blessings, one wishes for there loved once long, healthy,
and progressive life. Further, it says, may you be fruitful like the Indian
Jujube. Keep meeting us till the time there will be snow in Himalayas and water
in the Ganges. Keep meeting us every time this day this month. May you rise
high like Sky. May you be wide like Earth. May your mind be clever as a
fox and soul as strong as a lion.
After completing the rituals the family members sit together and enjoy the delicious Pahadi food.
This festival is celebrated in the month of "Shrawan" which is associated with Lord Siva. A day before the festival of "Harela" people make the statue of Lord Shiva with clay. In the local language these mini clay structures are known as "Dikare". Once the festival is over people immerse the "Dikare" in nearby water sources like any pond or river.
Looking at the amount of deforestation and the effects of global warming, some organizations in the state conduct tree plantation campaigns. It is believed that the saplings flourish if planted on this day.
Khait Parvat -The abode of fairies Did you ever wish to see a real-life fairy? If your answer is yes then you should know about this wonderful place. Uttarakhand a state of India is also known as the " Devbhoomi " land of Gods. The reason behind this name is that there are some of the significant temples and pilgrimage of Hindus. People of Uttarakhand believe in Hindu methodologies. Many people who have traveled to a higher altitude, experienced miracles and encountered high-level energies, especially people who live in the villages that are in the Himalayan foothills. The place where people still believe that fairies exist is Khait Parvat . It is believed that the goddess fought with two demons "Madu" and 'Kaitab" in this area. The name Khait is derived due to the same incidence and "Parvat" is a Hindi word of Mountain. That is how the name of the place is Khait Parvat. It is located in Tehri Gharwal. One has to trek 14km to reach the Khet Parva
The holy attire of Uttarakhandi Women "Pichhaura" is a notable traditional attire of Kumaoni women generally worn for "religious" occasions, marriage, and other rituals. Traditionally handmade, using vegetable dyes, Pichhauras are usually in red and saffron color. Local designs made in Almora, Haldwani, and other parts of Kumaon use silk fabric and accessories made of pearl. Pichhaura is not just a piece of cloth but is considered sanctified, in Kumaoni Hindu traditions. There are images of God and other pious religious symbols. As time is passing by the traditional attire is changing in the name of fashion. Some business companies have started producing products such as masks, purses/potlies, thali covers, and daily wear stoles. In the future, you may see people wearing Pichhaura style, trousers, sarees, suits, and skirts. How much do you think this is reasonable? When asked with the company the reason for producing such products the answer was. It is meant for
Awesome information. Keep up the good work and keep sharing such nice I formation related to our pahari culture
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