SHIMLA-14 August, 2026-For the first time, the traditional festival of Hariyali Teej was celebrated at the Durbar Hall of Lok Bhavan, with grandeur and cultural fervour, marking a significant initiative to promote India’s rich cultural heritage under the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. The celebration was organised on the initiative of Lady Governor Bindu Gupta.

Women artists presented vibrant cultural performances, showcasing the richness of India’s folk traditions and the spirit of Hariyali Teej. Women from civil society also participated in the celebrations, adding to the vibrancy of the Hariyali Teej festivities at Lok Bhavan.

Later, the Governor Kavinder Gupta also joined the celebrations and interacted with the participating women and guests.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor extended his warm greetings to the people of Himachal Pradesh on Hariyali Teej and appreciated the initiative of the Lady Governor for organising the festival at Lok Bhavan. He congratulated all those associated with the event for making it a meaningful and vibrant celebration of India’s cultural heritage.

The Governor said Hariyali Teej was not merely a festival but a reflection of India’s rich cultural traditions, family values, devotion and deep respect for nature. Symbolising the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, the festival conveys timeless values of love, faith, commitment and harmony in family life.

Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said India’s journey towards development must remain rooted in its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Festivals and folk traditions, he said, are an important part of the country’s civilisational identity and help connect younger generations with their cultural roots. He said the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative provides an important platform for strengthening cultural bonds, mutual understanding and national unity by celebrating the diversity of India.

The Governor said Himachal Pradesh, with its rich Dev Sanskriti, folk traditions, fairs and festivals, has a special responsibility to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. He also called for greater awareness towards environmental protection, saying the spirit of Hariyali Teej should inspire people to protect forests, conserve water and safeguard the green wealth of Himachal Pradesh.

The Governor said Hariyali Teej is also a celebration of Nari Shakti, reflecting the important place accorded to women in Indian civilisation and traditions. Women, he said, have always been regarded as embodiments of strength, compassion, creativity and resilience.

He emphasised the need to create an environment where women and girls are empowered to realise their full potential and participate equally in the nation’s development. A strong and developed society, he said, cannot be built without the active participation and empowerment of women.
The Governor expressed hope that the Hariyali Teej celebration at Lok Bhavan would become a meaningful tradition in the years to come and serve as a platform for celebrating cultural heritage, women’s empowerment and social harmony.

The Lady Governor thanked all the participating women, artists, guests and officials for their enthusiastic participation and contribution towards making the first-ever Hariyali Teej celebration a memorable and meaningful occasion. She expressed hope that the celebration would evolve into a cherished annual tradition, promoting India’s rich cultural heritage, women’s empowerment, social harmony and environmental consciousness.

The Governor and Lady Governor presented saplings to participating women and guests as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. The celebrations concluded with a tree plantation programme, reinforcing the message of environmental conservation.

They wished everyone happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being on the auspicious occasion of Hariyali Teej.