Hareli Public Holiday: Hareli Tihar, a traditional folk festival of Chhattisgarh, is being celebrated across the state today with enthusiasm and reverence. The state government has declared a public holiday on August 12 to mark the occasion. Consequently, all government and private schools, colleges, government offices, and banks across the state will remain closed. Special events will also be organized at the Chief Minister’s residence to celebrate the festival. Hareli is considered a symbol of agriculture, greenery, and rural culture. All government offices, schools, colleges, and banks will remain closed today. Students and employees will also benefit from a series of holidays in August due to major festivals like Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan.
Hareli is celebrated on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Shravan. The word ‘Hareli’ signifies greenery. During the monsoon season, the earth becomes covered in lush greenery, and the sowing of Kharif crops is largely completed. On this day, farmers clean and worship their agricultural tools—such as ploughs, hoes, spades, and pickaxes—and offer Gur-cheela (jaggery pancakes) and coconut as bhog (ritual offering).
On the occasion of Hareli, farmers pray for the good health of their livestock. According to tradition, the animals are fed dough balls infused with medicinal herbs. In many rural areas, members of the Yadav community gather medicinal herbs and tubers from the forests to provide to the farmers. In return, farmers gift them rice, lentils, and other items. This tradition has been observed for years.
The main attraction of Hareli Tihar is the ‘Gedi’ ride. In rural areas, children and youth craft ‘Gedi’ (stilts made of bamboo or wood), walk on them, and enjoy traditional games. Additionally, the festival is celebrated with traditional fervor through the worship of Thakur Dev, community gatherings, and folk songs.
