Uttarakhand is celebrating the vibrant festival of Harela today, a unique confluence of nature, health, and heritage. More than just a symbol of environmental awareness, Harela also reflects deep Ayurvedic wisdom, guiding seasonal lifestyle and dietary changes for improved well-being.
According to Ayurveda experts like Dr. Avneesh Upadhyay, Harela is not merely a festival of sowing green saplings but also a spiritual and physical rebalancing ritual that aligns the body, mind, and surroundings with nature. Rich in chlorophyll, enzymes, fiber, and micronutrients, the sprouts grown during Harela are believed to aid digestion, improve skin health, and uplift mood. Dried and powdered, these sprouts even serve as natural Ayurvedic tonics when mixed into food.
Ancient Ayurvedic Insight Behind Harela
Ayurveda scholar Prof. Suresh Chaubey points to Charak Samhita, quoting “ऋतुभिर्हि गुणा: सर्वे द्रव्याणां भावयन्त्यपि,” which means that every season changes the properties of food and medicine. Harela marks the beginning of the monsoon (Varsha Ritu) and is a time when vata and pitta doshas rise and digestive strength weakens. Thus, traditional light, nourishing foods are recommended.
Balanced Diet for the Season
Dr. Ramesh Chandra Tiwari of Rishikul Ayurvedic College emphasizes the need to switch to easily digestible and dosha-balancing foods during this period. Dishes like mandua roti (finger millet flatbread), gahat dal (horse gram), cucumber, bottle gourd, kulthi, jhangora kheer, lassi, and fresh seasonal fruits help in maintaining internal balance.
As Uttarakhand celebrates Harela with sapling plantations, folk songs, and cultural programs, it also revives its ancient wisdom of seasonal health practices — blending environmental conservation with holistic well-being.
