Hariyali Amavasya

Hariyali Amavasya

Hariyali Amavasya is a monsoon festival, celebrated on the no moon day in the dark fortnight of the Sharavana month of Hindu calendar. The festival is aimed to celebrate the beauty and majesty of nature and bring the people closer to their natural environment. Celebrated, with great zeal and festivity across north India, the day holds much significance for the people of Rajasthan and especially Udaipur, where numerous fairs are organized in countless villages and cities to commemorate the day.

In 2013, Hariyali Amavasya will be celebrated on 6th August.

Celebration of Hariyali Amavasya in Udaipur

The entire population of Udaipur celebrates the festival of Hariyali Amavasya with great enthusiasm. This is primarily due to the fact that the concept of celebrating the festival on a grand scale is believed to have originated from the city itself. It is said that it was under the reign of Maharaja Fateh Singh, that the famous fair was first organized to mark the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya.

The Maharaja, taking notice of the water wasted around the city, decided to construct a reservoir to fulfill the water needs of the people. This reservoir came to be known as the Fateh Sagar reservoir and it was to celebrate its successful completion that the fair was first organized on the no moon night of the Shravan month.

The fair not only showcases the local Rajasthani traditions and customs but also offers numerous activities for entertainment such as folk songs and dances, wrestling matches etc along with the usual rides and games. 

Significance of Hariyali Amavasya

Hariyali Amavasya is a day dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that worshipping this supreme deity of this day blesses the devotees with wealth and prosperity. The day is also deemed auspicious for seeking the blessing for a good agricultural season. Many people also worship the holy peepal tree on this day by going around it and presenting offerings of sweet meat and flowers.

According to traditional Hindu culture, trees are considered to be forms of Gods and Hariyali Amavasya is day meant for worshipping them. The day generally marks the beginning of the green and wet season and hence planting a tree on this day is considered highly fruitful. In Rajasthan, the day holds much significance for the ladies f the family as it is a day when they seek blessings for the peace and prosperity of their loved ones.