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Introduction to the Harela and Bhaitauli Festivals in Uttaranchal
Uttaranchal follows rest of India’s trend of celebrating festivals with a great deal of ardor and enthusiasm. In Uttaranchal, there are a large number of temples which are popular venues for fairs. These fairs and festivals add color to the life of these hilly people. Harela and Bhaitauli Festivals in Uttaranchal herald the advent of the rainy season.
Description of the Harela and Bhaitauli Festivals in Uttaranchal
Women folk observe most of the customs that are related to this festival. They fill their baskets with soil. Seven different kinds if seeds are sowed in the soil. The seeds are watered regularly. They are given a time period of ten days to germinate. On the tenth days, the seeds sprout. Green grasses shoot out from the soil (these grasses are referred to as Harela) and they are plucked. It is symbolic of the flourishing future harvest. The women then put it in their heads or behind their ears. The rest of the household also joins them. The blades of the grass are sent to friends and relatives as well.
On this occasion, sisters are presented beautiful gifts by their brothers. The presents are referred to as Bhaitauli. These tokens of love are very precious indeed. Young girls of the family are also given some pocket money on this occasion which is why they wait expectantly for the arrival of this festival.
There is yet another interesting custom that is related to this festival. On the last day of the month of Ashar (mid of July) a kind of mock wedding is arranged between Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. The wooden images of Shiva and Parvati are made to marry each other. Their children are also worshipped in this occasion.
Time for celebrating the Harela and Bhaitauli Festivals in Uttaranchal
This festival is celebrated in the month of Shravan. The celebrations start on the first day of the month itself. They come to an end on the tenth day. Shravan corresponds to July in the English calendar.
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