As I immerse myself in nostalgia, I remember my childhood and find myself lying on the lawn of my house, surrounded by its softness, playing with the grass blades and delicate flowers. Beyond the garden lies an endless expanse of towering deodar trees, providing a majestic backdrop to this green paradise.

Then as I cast my mind back, I recall my visits to my grandparent’s house, evoking pure joy in my young heart. Their backyard was a dreamlike orchard, brimming with fascinating trees, shrubs, and nature’s wonders that ignited my childlike wonder. Rows upon rows of mango trees stood tall, and the thrill of collecting those ripe mangoes filled my days. Together with my Nani, we would separate the ripe ones and cover the others with newspapers to hasten their ripening process.
Amidst the mango trees, the sight of yellow and green lemons hanging from the shrubs was a sight to behold, followed by the towering presence of the Papaya trees. What always fascinated me were the touch-me-nots, seemingly shy and delicate, yet so enchanting in their presence. And not to forget, I can still vividly picture my Nani plucking cotton buds from the tree, using them for her Diya during Pooja.
Those moments at my grandparent’s house were like wandering through an enchanted garden, where every tree, every shrub, and every flower had a story to tell. It was a sanctuary of greenery and beauty, nurturing my connection with nature and leaving an indelible mark on my soul. Those cherished memories are etched forever in my heart, reminding me of the simple joys that enriched my childhood and continue to inspire my love for the natural world.
I am posting this today on the auspicious occasion of the festival of Harela which is a significant festival celebrated in Uttarakhand, primarily in the Kumaon region. It marks the beginning of the sowing season. The festival signifies the arrival of the monsoon season, which brings with it much-needed rainfall for agricultural activities in the region. This makes me wonder how each individual’s connection to nature and greenery ultimately combines to form green spaces in the form of forests, agricultural fields and landscapes. The lush greenery that surrounds us today is the collective result of countless individual efforts towards nature. Each person’s small act, whether planting a tree, tending to a garden, or participating in a community afforestation drive, contributes to the creation and preservation of green spaces. Over time, these individual efforts have intertwined and multiplied, giving rise to the beautiful landscapes we cherish today.
This is what makes festivals like Harela important especially in times like today where we not only need to celebrate greenery but also acknowledge, preserve and nourish it.