Uttarakhand CM Dhami marks Harela with tree plantation, calls for collective commitment to nature

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday conveyed his warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Harela, the region’s traditional folk festival dedicated to nature, greenery, and cultural heritage.

Taking to social media platform X, CM Dhami underscored the significance of the festival, describing it as both a cultural symbol and a reminder of the need to honor and protect nature.

समस्त प्रदेशवासियों को प्रकृति और लोक परंपरा को समर्पित लोकपर्व हरेला की हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।

लोक पर्व हरेला हमारी समृद्ध संस्कृति का प्रतीक होने के साथ ही प्रकृति के प्रति कृतज्ञता का भी पर्व है। यह पावन पर्व आस्था और पर्यावरण को एक साथ पिरोता है और हमें स्मरण कराता है… pic.twitter.com/igenBLtKGO

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) July 16, 2025

"Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the state on the occasion of the folk festival Harela, dedicated to nature and local traditions. The folk festival Harela is not only a symbol of our rich culture but also a festival of gratitude towards nature. This sacred festival weaves together faith and the environment, reminding us that nature is the foundation of our lives, and its protection is our duty," the Chief Minister posted.

In line with the spirit of the festival, CM Dhami also participated in a plantation drive by planting a tree at the Gorkha Military Inter College in Dehradun. Emphasizing the importance of collective action in conserving the environment, he urged people to take a pledge for sustainability.

"Let us, on this sacred occasion, resolve to protect the environment and inspire others to do the same," he wrote.

Harela, which heralds the beginning of the Sawan season in Uttarakhand, is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious fabric of the state. It symbolizes the onset of greenery and a fresh season of life and growth. With the monsoon already active in other regions, Uttarakhand marks the start of Sawan with this festival, which holds added spiritual weight owing to the belief that Lord Shiva resides in the region.

Ahead of the festival, on July 15, CM Dhami had announced a massive afforestation initiative across Uttarakhand, aligning traditional celebrations with ecological commitment.

"The folk festival Harela, a symbol of our faith, gratitude, and commitment to preserving nature, will be celebrated with great joy tomorrow. On this occasion, a resolution has been made to plant over 5 lakh saplings, marking a new milestone in the connection between this folk tradition of Uttarakhand and a new initiative," he stated in a previous post.

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s environmental message, Dhami invoked a powerful call to action.

"Inspired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspiring call, 'Celebrate the Harela festival, repay Mother Earth's debt - plant a tree in the name of the Mother,' let us all come together to make this festival not just a celebration but a strong foundation for a green future for the..."