Harela Mela
Harela Mela | |
---|---|
Observed by | Kumaoni people |
Type | Fair |
Significance | Harvest festival |
Date | 16 - 21 July |
Frequency | Annual |
Harela Mela is a fair that takes place every year from 16 July to 21 July and is usually held on the RamLeela Ground in Bhimtal. The Harela Mela commemorates celebrations surrounding the historic Kumaon festival of Harela in the state of Uttarakhand.
Significance
Harela literally means "Green/Yellow Leaves" . There are traditionally two Harela’s in a year, one in the
History of the Harela Mela
The Harela Mela itself has survived over a 100 years. The Harela Mela possibly evolved as an extension of a farmer’s market around the harvest season. Prior to Indian independence, traders transported crops and other wares from far off places in the planes like Bareilly, Rampur, etc. to the hills of Kumaon to sell. People from the hills of Kumaon would gather to purchases these products and over time this became the Harela Mela. The Mela itself was previously held in the city centre on the ground near Lilavati Pant College but was shifted to its present location on the RamLeela ground in 1980 due to insufficient space.[2] Prior to 2013 the fair was a 2 day event organized by the Harela Khel Sanskritik Manch but owing to increasing popularity was taken over by the town municipal corporation and converted to a 5 day affair.[citation needed]
Political Significance
The fair also has a traditionally political aspect to it. Various local political bodies put up stalls to increase party awareness as well as recruit party members into their fold. Prior to Indian Independence, this was a meeting occasion for various freedom activists. Politicians like