हर घर हरेला: A youth-led celebration of Uttarakhand’s history and culture

An open ground or an auditorium, huge speakers, community members sitting on chairs as they face the stage: This is a typical picture that comes to mind when one tries to conceptualise a community event. Over the years, such events have come to be understood as celebrations of the community, but with little participation by the community itself.

While planning our endeavour to bring the community together, we explored multiple ideas, including the one mentioned above. However, we were clear about one thing: the active inclusion of community members in both the planning and execution of the event. At Parvat Youth Collective, we believe that every young person is capable of being a leader in their community. The celebration of Harela gave them the opportunity to rise to the challenge, and they passed with flying colours.

Setting the stage: Preparations in the community

Our direct engagement with the community allowed us to connect closely with local youth and prepare for the event in a grounded way. Throughout June and early July, we conducted extensive field visits, meeting local leaders, educators, youth, and community members. Each youth took ownership of the process by pledging the number of trees they would plant in their own localities.

A Challenging process: Hurdles we faced 

Procuring 350 trees was a task in itself. We reached out to the Department of Forest, Government of Uttarakhand, for support. Due to the high demand for saplings during Harela celebrations, we faced delays in approvals and collection. At one point, we even planned an emergency fundraiser to ensure we meet our goal. Despite the hurdles, with help from nursery officials and the Divisional Forest Office, we received 355 saplings from the forest nursery in Gajiwali, Shyampur.

Youth leadership in Action

Youth from across communities took charge of the celebrations in their own neighbourhoods. A total of 18 youth were involved in the planning and execution of the entire event. 

Children of the Youth center preparing for the event

Stories from the Ground

Shabina and Shabana, sisters in Class 6 and 8, prepared and performed a skit along with their friends. They staged it in front of their sector's community and also led the planting of 35 trees in the area.

Vinit, a young edu-preneur from Shyampur, mobilized 45 youth and children to organize a successful drive with 40 trees planted at Ambedkar Park.

Plantation drive at Ambedkar Park in Shyampur

Najma, a housewife from Gujjar Basti, brought together 25 people, and together they planted 45 trees in their locality.

Children taking the Harela pledge

Community members taking the Harela Pledge

Bringing people together

This youth-led community event, spread across 8 different locations, was driven by 18 young leaders and engaged over 250 community members. People gathered not just to plant trees, but to celebrate the rich history of environmental consciousness that Uttarakhand holds. Over the course of 2 days, we planted 355 trees, bringing together youth, women, children, and elders in a collective celebration of our shared future.

Community members in discussion

Harela was more than just a tree plantation drive. It was a reminder of what communities can achieve when trust, leadership, and ownership are placed in the hands of the people themselves. Through this initiative, youth proved that they are not just participants but active custodians of cultural heritage and environmental responsibility. In the shade of these 355 trees lies the promise of a more connected, conscious, and resilient tomorrow.

Aamna, Salma and Naseema planting a tree with children

By Soniya

Program Manager (PYC)