Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday greeted people on the occasion of Harela and appealed to them to protect nature. He urged everyone to conserve water, preserve traditional water sources and work together for a greener future.
The Chief Minister said Harela is a reminder of the close bond between people and nature. He encouraged citizens to follow the traditions of their ancestors, who celebrated the festival by respecting and protecting the environment.
"I extend my best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Harela. This festival has been an important part of Uttarakhand's culture since ancient times. Our ancestors celebrated it as a festival dedicated to nature and its conservation," Dhami said.
The Chief Minister said climate change is affecting weather patterns across the world. He stressed that protecting forests, rivers and water sources has become more important than ever.
"Today, we are witnessing the impact of global warming. Seasons are becoming unpredictable. We see dry spells during the monsoon and unseasonal rain at other times. Winters are warmer and weather patterns are changing. In such a situation, we must protect nature and conserve our water resources," he said.
Dhami said Uttarakhand has a special responsibility towards environmental conservation because it is home to the Himalayas and the source of major rivers.
"Uttarakhand is the land of the Himalayas and the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna. More than 70 per cent of the state's area is covered by forests. We must send a message from here about protecting the environment and preserving the planet," he said.
He also urged people to plant more trees and revive traditional water bodies. "We must plant trees, save water, protect life and conserve our ponds, tanks and stepwells," he added.
In Uttarakhand's Kumaon and Garhwal regions, Harela marks the beginning of the monsoon season and the holy month of Shravan. The festival is celebrated with rituals linked to farming, greenery and environmental protection.
Earlier this week, Dhami took part in a large plantation drive at Malagram in Yamkeshwar block of Pauri Garhwal district to mark Harela. He planted a sapling and appealed to people to actively participate in protecting the environment.
During the visit, the Chief Minister toured Shri Dhanvantari Dham Herbal World Himalaya. He reviewed its collection of rare medicinal plants, ongoing research work and Ayurveda-based initiatives. He also visited the meditation hut on the campus. Dhami later planted another sapling at Shri Dhanvantari Dham along with Yoga guru Baba Ramdev.
Harela is celebrated every year on July 16 in Uttarakhand and marks the beginning of the holy month of Shravan in the state. The festival symbolises greenery, prosperity and the arrival of a new season.
The festival also holds deep religious significance. According to local belief, Lord Shiva resides in Uttarakhand, making Harela one of the state's most important traditional festivals.
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