Hariyali Amavasya
Hariyali Amavasya also called Sawan amavasya or Shravan amavasya is an important Hindu observance celebrated on the amavasya (new moon) in the Shravan month (sawan mahina) of the Hindu calendar. Shravan month marks the onset of the monsoon season covering earth with a blanket of greenery (hariyali), the reason why the festival on shravan amavasya is referred as the festival of greenery.
Hariyali Amavasya 2021 date is August 08, Sunday
Hariyali amasya comes a day after Shravan Shivratri which falls on the chaturdashi tithi. Hariyali teej is celebrated after three days ie, Tritiya (3rd day) of the shukla paksha on Wednesday, August 11.
Hariyali Amavasya 2021 is special as the day will witness 5 auspicious Maha Yogas, a rare combination which last happened over a century ago. Shubh Yog (Upto 12:11 PM on Aug 01), Siddhi Yog (Jul 31 07:06 PM – Aug 01 03:16 PM), Guru Pushya Yog, Sarvartha Siddhi Yog, Amritha Siddhi Yog (all these three yogs between Aug 01 06:18 AM and Aug 01 12:11 PM)
Hariyali Amavasya is the new moon of the Shravan month and falls during the months of July-August in the English calendar. Like other Amavasya, it holds strong religious values for the people of Hindu community.
Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated with great fervour as the festival of rainy season and on this day, Lord Shiva is worshipped with full devotion.
In Hindi language, ‘Amavasya’ implies ‘no moon day’ and ‘Hariyali’ means ‘greenery’, therefore Hariyali Amavasya is observed as moon festival during the rainy season, when the nature blossoms at it best. The festivities of Hariyali Amavasya are very renowned in Northern states of India like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It is famous in other regions as well but with different names. In Maharashtra it is called ‘Gatari Amavasya’, in Andhra Pradesh as ‘Chukkala Amavasya’ and in Orissa it is celebrated as ‘Chitalagi Amavasya’. As with the names, the rituals and traditions vary in different parts of the country, but the spirit of celebrations remains same.
Rituals during Hariyali Amavasya
In Hinduism, the day of Amavasya s dedicated to one’s ancestors or forefathers. Much in the same way, on Hariyali Amavasya, devotees get up early and take a bath. Following this, puja is performed to appease the ancestors or ‘pitrs’. Special meal is prepared and offered to Brahmins. The male member of the family performs all the ancestral rites to offer peace to their deceased family members.
The festival of Hariyali Amavasya is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees worship Him with full devotion and seek His blessings for good rains and bountiful harvest. Shiva Puja on Hariyali Amavasya is believed to bring wealth and prosperity. Devotees recite Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva and sing bhajans in His praise. Special darshan and rituals are held in Lord Shiva temples all across the country.
In some regions, people also observe a fast on this day. Only meal is taken during the day after completing all the puja rituals.
Grand fairs are also organised on Hariyali Amavasya in different parts of the India. In Udaipur, the celebrations last for three continuous days. Fun, food and frolic marks this grand fair. Women collectively pray for the welfare of their husbands.
