Hariyali Amavasya 2025 - Thursday, Jul 24 2025

In Hindi, the word Amavasya refers to a no-moon day and Hariyali refers to greenery. Hariyali Amavasya is thus a festival which is celebrated on a no-moon day to welcome the month of monsoon. It is celebrated on the first Amavasya of Saavan which is the period of July-August as per the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated by people in Northern India especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. The day corresponds with Ashada Amawas and Chaluka Amawas in different states.

Hariyali Amavasya, also known as "Shravana Amavasya," is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, particularly in North India. It falls on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which usually occurs in July or August. The term "Hariyali" means "greenery," and this festival is celebrated to welcome the monsoon season and the lush greenery it brings.

Hariyali Amavasya Celebrations

Significance

1. Agricultural Importance: The festival is closely associated with agriculture. Farmers worship and pray for good rains and a bountiful harvest. It is a time to celebrate the rejuvenation of nature and the beginning of the planting season.

2. Religious Observances: Many devotees observe fasts and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and other deities. Temples, especially those dedicated to Shiva, see a large influx of devotees on this day.

3. Environmental Awareness: In some regions, tree planting activities are organized to promote environmental conservation and awareness.

Celebrations

• Puja and Rituals: People perform special pujas and rituals at home and in temples. Offerings of fruits, flowers, and special dishes are made to deities.
• Community Gatherings: In rural areas, it is common for communities to gather and celebrate with music, dance, and communal meals.
• Fairs and Markets: Many places hold fairs and markets where people can buy new clothes, agricultural tools, and other goods.

Regional Variations

• Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh: In these states, Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Fairs are held, and people participate in traditional dances and songs.
• Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh, the festival is marked by religious observances and community feasts.

Hariyali Amavasya - Fairs

In Udaipur, the celebration includes setting up of a fair. This fair goes on for three days. Stalls of food, games, rides, clothes and jewellery are set up. The famous dish of Rabri Malpua is available in plentiful. Energetic vendors voice themselves out loud. The fair witnesses an atmosphere of fun and frolic. The fair attract people, young and all, not only from the town in which it is set up, but also tourists from all across the country like to visit it. This results in developing a platform of national integration.

Historically, it is believed that Maharana Fateh Singh, the architect of the famous Fatehpur Sagarwas, was the first to set up the fair. He observed that a lot of water of the Dewali pond was being wasted and hence converted it into a reservoir which was used to fulfil people’s needs.  On its completion, a fair was set up on the moonless night of the rainy season which began being celebrated as the Hariyali Amawas. Eventually, the fair was set up by the then ruling kings for the common people. What is amazing is that the tradition continues till date.
The fair is spread out from Saheliyonki Baari to Fatehsagar. Apart from the stalls, the fair is adorned with beautiful and colorful costumes, traditional music and dance. The marvelous combinations of these provide entertainment to everyone and they enjoy themselves. Even though both men and women are a part of this fair, the last day of the fair is usually reserved for women.

On this day, the men are not allowed to enter the fair. All the women pray for the prosperity of their families with all their heart. The Collector of Udaipur declares this as a holiday for schools and government offices. Not only this, schools and clubs also have cultural programs to commemorate this day. Ceremonies of tree plantation are held across places. A visit to this fair is a must-awaited affair.

During Hariyali Amavasya, fairs are a common feature in many regions, especially in rural areas of North India. These fairs are vibrant and lively, offering a blend of cultural, religious, and commercial activities. Here are some aspects typically found in these fairs:

1. Cultural Performances: Folk music, dance performances (like Ghoomar in Rajasthan), and traditional dramas are often showcased during these fairs. These performances reflect the local culture and traditions.

2. Rituals and Puja: Temples and sacred sites within fairgrounds attract devotees who come to perform special rituals and prayers. Offerings are made to deities, especially Lord Shiva in many places.

3. Marketplace: Fairs typically host bustling markets where a variety of goods are sold. These may include agricultural tools, handicrafts, clothing, and local delicacies. It's an opportunity for rural artisans and traders to showcase their products.

4. Entertainment: Alongside cultural performances, there may be carnival rides, games, and entertainment stalls offering a fun experience for visitors of all ages.

5. Community Gathering: Fairs during Hariyali Amavasya serve as a community gathering point where people from nearby villages come together to socialize, celebrate, and exchange news and views.

6. Food Stalls: Local delicacies and traditional foods are a highlight of these fairs. Visitors can enjoy regional dishes and sweets prepared specially for the occasion.