Harela is a festival of greenery, peace, prosperity, and environmental conservation, primarily celebrated in which of the following states?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) Uttarakhand
Harela is a major festival in Uttarakhand that marks the beginning of the monsoon season. It is deeply associated with environmental conservation, agricultural prosperity, and cultural traditions.

The festival is primarily celebrated by the Kumaoni and Garhwali communities of the state.
The term ‘Harela’ means ‘Day of Greenery’ in the local dialect. It symbolizes prosperity and fertility.

Families sow seeds of grains like wheat and barley in small baskets ten days before the festival, and on the day of Harela, they cut these plants and place them behind their ears or on their heads as a mark of respect for nature.

Information Booster:
● Harela is celebrated three times a year – during Chaitra (March-April), Shravan (July-August), and Ashwin (September-October).
● The festival promotes the importance of agriculture and livestock in rural life.
● Uttarakhand government runs Harela plantation drives to increase green cover in the state.
● It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who symbolize the divine connection between nature and human life.

Festivals Celebrated in the Given States
1. Uttarakhand
● Harela – Celebrates greenery, prosperity, and environmental conservation.
● Phool Dei – A festival of flowers and prosperity, celebrated by young girls.
● Bikhauti Festival – Kumaoni New Year celebration with traditional rituals.
● Kandali Festival – Celebrated once every 12 years, marking the blooming of the Kandali flower.
● Ghee Sankranti (Olgia) – Farmers express gratitude to cattle for their contribution to agriculture.

2. Madhya Pradesh
● Lokrang Festival – A grand folk festival in Bhopal, promoting cultural heritage.
● Malwa Utsav – One of India’s largest folk festivals, showcasing regional traditions.
● Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh – Celebrates the works of Kalidasa and Sanskrit literature.
● Bhagoria Festival – A tribal festival of the Bhil and Bhilala communities, known as the festival of love and elopement.
● Tansen Samaroh – A classical music festival held in Gwalior in honor of Tansen.

3. Haryana 
● Lohri – A harvest festival celebrated with bonfires and folk dances.
● Basant Panchami – Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, marking the arrival of spring.
● Surajkund Mela – One of the largest handicraft fairs in the world.
● Gugga Naumi – Dedicated to Gugga Pir, who is believed to protect people from snake bites.
● Teej – A festival celebrated by women for marital bliss and happiness, involving mehendi and swings.

4. Assam 
● Bihu – The most important festival of Assam, celebrated in three forms:

Rongali Bihu (April) – New Year and harvest festival.
Bhogali Bihu (January) – Celebrates the end of the harvest season.
Kati Bihu (October) – Prayers for crop protection and well-being.
● Ambubachi Mela – Celebrated at the Kamakhya Temple, marking the menstruation cycle of Goddess Kamakhya.
● Majuli Raas Festival – A theatrical festival portraying the life of Lord Krishna.
● Ali-Aye-Ligang – An agriculture-based festival of the Mishing tribe.
● Jonbeel Mela – A unique festival where barter trade is still practiced among indigenous tribes.