Hariyali Amavasya
Hariyali Amavasya is an important Hindu observance
celebrated on the ‘amavasya’ (no moon day) during the ‘Krishna Paksha’ (the
waning phase of moon) in the ‘Shravana’ month of the traditional Hindu
calendar. Also referred as the ‘Festival of Greenery’, it marks the onset of
the monsoon season. Hariyali Amavasya is the first Amavasya of the Shravana
month and this date falls during the months of July-August in the Gregorian
calendar. Like other Amavasya, it holds strong religious values for the people
of Hindu community. Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated with great fervour as the
festival of rainy season and in this day people come out and enjoy the seamless
beauty of Nature. On this day, Lord Shiva is worshipped with full devotion.
In Hindi language, ‘Amavasya’
implies ‘no moon day’ and ‘Hariyali’ means ‘greenery’, therefore Hariyali
Amavasya is observed as moon festival during the rainy season, when the nature
blossoms at it best. The festivities of Hariyali Amavasya are very renowned in
Northern states of India like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It
is famous in other regions as well but with different names. In Maharashtra it
is called ‘Gatari Amavasya’, in Andhra Pradesh as ‘Chukkala Amavasya’ and in
Orissa it is celebrated as ‘Chitalagi Amavasya’. As with the names, the rituals
and traditions vary in different parts of the country, but the spirit of
celebrations remains same.
Significance of Hariyali Amavasya:
Hariyali Amavasya is an eventful day for Hindus that
falls three days before the celebrations of ‘Hariyali Teej’. The month of
‘Shravana’ is the 5th month of Hindu lunar calendar that is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. Moreover this month is also associated with monsoon season that in turn
is crucial for good harvest and prevention of draughts. According to the Hindu
legends, the month of ‘Shravana’ is auspicious for gaining the blessings of
Hindu Gods and Goddesses. On Hariyali Amavasya performing Pirtu Tarpan and Daan
Punya activities is also considered to be very rewarding.
Also in the Hindu culture, trees are represented in the
form of Gods and people worship them on Hariyali Amavasya. In some regions
there is a tradition of worshipping the ‘Peepal’ tree on this day. As Hariyali
Amavasya marks the start of the monsoon season, planting a sapling on this day
is considered to be very fruitful.
Rituals during Hariyali Amavasya:
- In Hinduism, the day of Amavasya s
dedicated to one’s ancestors or forefathers. Much in the same way, on
Hariyali Amavasya, devotees get up early and take a bath. Following this,
puja is performed to appease the ancestors or ‘pitrs’. Special meal is
prepared and offered to Brahmins. The male member of the family performs
all the ancestral rites to offer peace to their deceased family members.
- The festival of Hariyali Amavasya is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees worship Him with full devotion and seek
His blessings for good rains and bountiful harvest. Shiva Puja on Hariyali
Amavasya is believed to bring wealth and prosperity. Devotees recite Vedic
mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva and sing bhajans in His praise. Special
darshan and rituals are held in Lord Shiva temples all across the country.
- In some regions, people also observe a
fast on this day. Only meal is taken during the day after completing all
the puja rituals.
- Grand fairs are also organised on Hariyali
Amavasya in different parts of the India. In Udaipur, the celebrations
last for three continuous days. Fun, food and frolic marks this grand
fair. Women collectively pray for the welfare of their husbands.
2017 Date : 23rd July, Sunday.
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