16-07-2026:Harela Festival Celebrated with Traditional Enthusiasm at Lok Bhavan; Governor Planted a Sapling
Lok Bhavan Uttarakhand-Information Wing
Press Note
Harela Festival Celebrated with Traditional Enthusiasm at Lok Bhavan; Governor Planted a Sapling
Lok Bhavan Dehradun 16 July, 2026
The traditional folk festival Harela, which symbolizes Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage, love for nature, and commitment to environmental conservation, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Lok Bhavan on Thursday.
On the occasion, Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) offered prayers at the Rajpragyeshwar Temple located within the Lok Bhavan premises, praying for the state’s prosperity, peace, and well-being. Thereafter, the Governor, First Lady Mrs. Gurmit Kaur, Legal Advisor Mr. Kaushal Kishore Shukla, Additional Secretary Mrs. Reena Joshi, along with officers and staff of Lok Bhavan, planted saplings in the campus, spreading the message of environmental conservation.
A cultural troupe presented captivating performances based on Uttarakhand’s folk traditions, accompanied by traditional musical instruments. Women dressed in traditional attire sang auspicious Harela folk songs, adding to the dignity and festive spirit of the celebration.
Extending his greetings to the people of Uttarakhand and the nation on the occasion of Harela, the Governor said that Uttarakhand has a rich tradition of reverence for and protection of nature. He described Harela as a symbol of the state’s cultural heritage, agricultural traditions, and deep connection with nature.
The Governor further said that in today’s context, Harela is not merely a traditional festival but also conveys a powerful message of collective public participation for green and sustainable development amid the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
He noted that Uttarakhand, with its abundant natural resources, dense forests, and rich biodiversity, plays a vital role in maintaining the country’s ecological balance. Therefore, he emphasized that protecting the environment is the responsibility of every citizen of the state. He appealed to everyone to plant more trees and take responsibility for nurturing and protecting the saplings they plant.
The Governor added that conserving nature is not only a necessity for the present but also a moral responsibility towards future generations. He stressed that only by maintaining a balance between nature and development can a safe and prosperous future be ensured.
Among those present on the occasion were First Lady Mrs. Gurmit Kaur, Legal Advisor Mr. Kaushal Kishore Shukla, Additional Secretary Mrs. Reena Joshi, Director of Horticulture Dr. R. K. Singh, Joint Director of Horticulture Dr. Ratan Kumar, Horticulture Officer Mr. Deepak Purohit, and other officers and employees of Lok Bhavan.
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