India is known for its forest resources. But due to rapid exploitation of forests they are soon going to be seen as endangered ones. To protect trees, Van mahotsava, the tree-planting festival, is celebrated throughout India. Van mohatsava is celebrated during the first week of July. Let us know about the origin and objectives of Van mahotsava in this article.
The Origin of Van Mahotsava
The idea or need to celebrate Van mohotsava was felt in July 1947. The attempts of tree plantation were done at the National level at Delhi, the capital city of India. It was inaugurated in 1950 by K.M. Munsi, then Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Union Minister for Agriculture and Food. The first festival drew eminent leaders of that time like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Abdul Kalam Azad, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and many others who participated in the event.
The idea or need to celebrate Van mohotsava was felt in July 1947. The attempts of tree plantation were done at the National level at Delhi, the capital city of India. It was inaugurated in 1950 by K.M. Munsi, then Governor of Uttar Pradesh and Union Minister for Agriculture and Food. The first festival drew eminent leaders of that time like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Abdul Kalam Azad, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and many others who participated in the event.
Monsoon and Van Mahotsava
Generally July is the month when monsoon knocks almost whole country. It is just the right time to plant seed in the earth, that is, the activity of seed dispersal is done at this time. Van mahotsava calls all the citizens to plant trees at public places like roads, parks, hospitals, stations, colleges, housing colonies and villages. But just planting is not enough, proper care should be taken till the plant has grown enough. Thus van mahotsava is both planting and growing the trees.
Generally July is the month when monsoon knocks almost whole country. It is just the right time to plant seed in the earth, that is, the activity of seed dispersal is done at this time. Van mahotsava calls all the citizens to plant trees at public places like roads, parks, hospitals, stations, colleges, housing colonies and villages. But just planting is not enough, proper care should be taken till the plant has grown enough. Thus van mahotsava is both planting and growing the trees.
The Objectives of Van Mahotsava: The main objectives of the festival are to
- Produce and release cow dung as manure
- Increase food resources of the country by increasing the production of fruits
- Help in creation of shelter-belts in and around agricultural fields to increase the productivity
- Increase the fodder for cattle and thereby decrease the intensity of grazing over reserved forests
- Provide shade in the form of ornamental trees for landscape
- Provide the timber, poles and other agricultural implements in house construction and fencing
- Help in conserving soil and prevent spoiling of soil fertility
- Spread the importance of planting and tending of trees for like aesthetic, protective and economic needs
Van Mahotsava in one sentence is: It is not like any other religious festival that lasts for 1 or 2 days, it is a symbol of unending awakening movement towards a greener India.
All come and participate in Van Mahotsava!
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