Hareli, the inaugural traditional folk festival of Chhattisgarh, is a significant event celebrated with fervor by farmers and all residents of the state. Observed during the Amavasya of the Shravan month, this festival underscores the beginning of the sowing season, symbolizing the strong bond between the people and their agricultural lands.
Hareli is deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh’s agricultural traditions, representing respect for the deities and the land. It involves various rituals and customs, including the worship of agricultural tools such as plows, hoes, and spades. Farmers clean and place these tools in their courtyards, along with their family deities, for worship. Women prepare special dishes like ‘cheela,’ a sweet pancake made from rice flour, which is offered to the deities as a gesture of gratitude.
Beyond its agricultural significance, Hareli serves as a time for community bonding and protection. Neem leaves are hung on doorways, and blacksmiths offer blessings, signifying the belief in warding off evil. The festival is also marked by various recreational activities like coconut throwing competitions, infusing a vibrant atmosphere throughout the villages and cities. Hareli serves as a vibrant showcase of Chhattisgarh’s cultural richness and agricultural practices.
