Hariyali Amavasya (Hindi:हरियाली अमावस्या or रा

वणी
अ रा
मावस्या ) 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.

Today is Hariyali Amavasya

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 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 fervor 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.

Children planting sapling

Planting a sapling on this day is considered to be very fruitful

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 organized 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.

Tree worship
Peepal tree is worshiped on hariyali amavasya

Significance of Hariyali Amavasya:

Hariyali Amavasya is an eventful day for Hindus that falls three days before the celebrations of
‘Hariyali Teej’. The month of ‘Shravan’ is the 5th month of Hindu lunar calendar that is dedicated
to Lord Shiva. Moreover, this month is also associated with monsoon season that in turn is
crucial for good harvest and prevention of draughts. According to the Hindu legends, the month
of ‘Shravan’ is auspicious for gaining the blessings of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. On Hariyali
Amavasya performing Pirtu Tarpan and Daan Punya activities is also considered to be very
rewarding.

Also in the Hindu culture, trees are represented in the form of Gods and people worship them
on Hariyali Amavasya. In some regions there is a tradition of worshipping the ‘Peepal’ tree on
this day. As Hariyali Amavasya marks the start of the monsoon season, planting a sapling on
this day is considered to be very fruitful.