Harela is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and in some regions of Himachal Pradesh.
[2] Harela means "Day of Green", and Agriculture-based communities in the region consider it highly auspicious, as it marks the beginning of the sowing cycle in their fields.
The primary belief of this festival lies in the probable origins of Neo-lithic fertility festivals, which were marked as the religious celebration of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati,[3] Harela has a great significance in Kumaon.
Ten days before the due date, 5 or 7 types of seeds are sown in buckets by the head of every family.
Some people also sow the seeds of new plants in the soil or fields and join their hands in the form of 'Pranam' for saving the environment.
Out of the cut greenery, two bundles or some parts are kept at the topmost point of the roof, which is called the axis.
In some areas of Almora, newly married couples take fruits and vegetables to the girl's maternal home, which is called the tradition of giving Og.
Traditions of Harela festival In Garhwal and Himachal, people take their village deity to an open place, and sing and dance in front of the idol.
In Garhwal, there is a tradition of planting saplings/plants on this day[citation needed], either by an individual, a family, or by the community.