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.

 2016 Date : 2^ndAugust.