Public Holiday in CG: The month of August brings joy to school children, as they are set to receive the gift of a public holiday every week this month. This begins on August 12. Notably, Independence Day will also be celebrated this week. Additionally, several other festivals—including Raksha Bandhan—will be observed throughout the month.
What happens during the Hareli festival?
Steeped in the traditions and culture of Chhattisgarh, the Hareli festival begins with the worship of cows and oxen. The festival is primarily associated with farmers and agriculture. Farmers worship their farming tools—such as ploughs, pickaxes, and spades—and pray for prosperity and well-being. On this day, neem leaves are placed at the main entrance of the house; it is believed that neem leaves offer protection against diseases and negative forces. In rural areas, children and young people participate in the tradition of riding ‘Gedi’ (bamboo stilts). Hareli is a festival that honors nature, agriculture, livestock, and folk culture. It symbolizes prosperity in the lives of farmers and embodies the hope for a bountiful harvest.
