Hariyali Amavasya – Celebrating Monsoon in Mewar

This Guest article is written by Sharad Lodha from Udaipur The summer was long this year. Lake Pichola, attraction for the tourists and Lake Fateh Sagar soul of Udaipurites  rapidly lost water and were nearly empty, but the gods in heaven poured all the love in form of rains, though not enough to fill the lakes but enough to retain the hopes in the heart of Udaipurites “The lakes will overflow this year”,” Amen”. Rare is a city so united. So in tune with its environs which can compete the beauty of any place in the world and surrounded by the Aravallis in the heart of Mewar, on the banks of Fateh Sagar, a beautiful unification of cultures is celebrated in the form of festival known as Hariyali Amavasya, (the moonless night of the Shravan month), which marks the beginning of the monsoons and greenery, Hariyali Amavasya or Haryali Amavas is the Amavasya (No Moon day) during Shrawan Maas as per North Indian calendars. Hariyali Amavasya marks the beginning of monsoon and the greenery. Hariyali Amavasya in 2010 is coming on 10 ^th of August and this day is celebrated in Udaipur with a charm unmatched. The uncontrolled excitement of the aboriginals, the Ferris Wheels (Dolars), Pirate Ship, Bike in death well, roller coaster, shopping and enjoying with all varieties of sweet meats, snacks and eatables give it an unmatched attraction.

More pics of Hariyali Amavasya Fair? click here

If you want to add some colors and festivity to your life then a visit to the festival is must for you . The cheering mood of the natives, their vibrant dress colors and ancestral customs are bound to make your heart swing and make your legs move in rhythm. The Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring and offers a wonderful overview of Rajasthani culture through traditional songs, dance and devotional music, people from all around Mewar pour in to celebrate this festival, displaying the culture and traditions of Mewar the proud land of “Maharana Pratap” Even though Hariyali Amavasya Fair is celebrated by both men and women but it is mainly a festival for ladies,when they pray for prosperity for all the family History of Hariyali Amavasya As per historic records, this fair started in the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh who was the architect of Fateh Sagar. The lake came into existence when Fateh Singh on his way noticed that a lot of water is being wasted near Dewali pond. He decided to convert the same into a big reservoir to fulfill the water needs of the citizens. Initially the reservoir was called Shiv Sagar and the dam was named after the Duke of Cannaunght, which was later, renamed Fateh Sagar. To celebrate the achievement, a moonless night of the rainy season was chosen and since then this day is celebrated as a fair day in Udaipur near Saheliyon ki Bari