3 weeks ago
Hariyali Amavasya Blends Ancestor Gratitude with Green Tree Planting
In India, there is a special day called Hariyali Amavasya.
It happens in the rainy season, when the first rains make the soil soft.
Soft, wet soil is perfect for planting new trees.
On this day, families remember their ancestors — great-grandfathers, grandfathers, fathers, and their wives — who have passed away.
They say thank you to them with a special prayer called Pitru tarpanam.
Many families also plant a sapling in the name of a loved one who is gone.
This is like a living gift that keeps growing.
People can plant the fruits their loved ones enjoyed, like mangoes or white guava.
Over time, these trees give shade, homes for birds, and food for people.
So Hariyali Amavasya helps families remember the past and make the world greener.
Hariyali Amavasya, also called Ashadha Amavasya, falls during the rainy season when the first rains have softened the soil for planting.
Amavasya is traditionally observed with Pitru tarpanam, offering gratitude to ancestors from father, grandfather, and great-grandfather along with their spouses.
The tradition combines ancestor remembrance with the monsoon by planting saplings in the names of departed elders.
The article suggests each family member plant a few saplings and repeat this on birthdays and marriage days of the departed, which could grow into a social forest.
Planting may follow the departed's likings, such as white guava for a father and mangoes for a mother, providing shade, homes for birds, and food for passers-by.
- Who
- Families observing the Hindu lunar tradition, remembering ancestors (father, grandfather, great-grandfather and their spouses); the article is by Dr. S. Ainavolu, a Mumbai-based teacher.
- What
- Hariyali Amavasya (Ashadha Amavasya) combines Pitru tarpanam — gratitude to ancestors — with planting saplings in their names as a living tribute.
- Where
- India; the author is based in Mumbai, though the article names no specific location for the observance itself.
- When
- On Ashadha Amavasya, the new-moon day ending the lunar month of Ashadha, which falls during the rainy season.
- Why
- To honor departed ancestors with gratitude while taking advantage of monsoon-softened soil to plant trees, boosting green cover and creating lasting memorials.
Key facts
- Festival
- Hariyali Amavasya (Ashadha Amavasya)
- Season
- Rainy season, after the first rains soften the soil
- Main ritual
- Pitru tarpanam — offerings of gratitude to ancestors
- Ancestors remembered
- Father, grandfather, and great-grandfather along with their spouses
- Green tradition
- Planting saplings in the name of departed elders
- Month-counting methods
- Amavasya-ending (Amantha) and Purnima-ending months
- Planting guidance
- Plants the departed loved, e.g., white guava and mango
- Author
- Dr. S. Ainavolu, Mumbai-based teacher









