Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India],July 15 : As Uttarakhand gears up to celebrate the traditional folk festival of Harela, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said the occasion would be marked by the plantation of over five lakh saplings across the state, making it a celebration of both culture and commitment to nature conservation.

In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, "The folk festival Harela, a symbol of our faith, gratitude, and commitment to preserving nature, will be celebrated with great joy tomorrow. On this occasion, a resolution has been made to plant over 5 lakh saplings, marking a new milestone in the connection between this folk tradition of Uttarakhand and a new initiative."
https://x.com/pushkardhami/status/1945102472868991296
"Inspired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspiring call, "Celebrate the Harela festival, repay Mother Earth's debt - plant a tree in the name of the Mother," let us all come together to make this festival not just a celebration but a strong foundation for a green future for the coming generations," the post added on X.
Since the festival marks the beginning of Sawan from this day, the festival is being celebrated by all in unique and special ways, while the season has already arrived in other parts of the country.
The festival is an indicator of greenery and the beginning of a new season. It is also believed that Lord Shiva resides in Uttarakhand, hence the importance of the festival increases manifold.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, an unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers. This campaign was inaugurated on June 5, 2024.
He urged citizens across the country to participate in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign by planting at least one tree in their mother's name. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat ranked second nationwide, with the successful plantation of 17.48 crore saplings as part of this initiative.