Essay on “Vanamahotsava” Festival of Forest
Vanamahotsava’s literal meaning is the festival of forest. Its celebration in this modern and industrial era means a lot for the lives on this unique earth.
Vanamahotsava is an annual festival of planting trees on a nationwide scale. It was initiated in 1950. The theme of the celebration of Vanamahotsva is to focus attention on the virtues of tree planting. The celebration of Vanamahotsva starts at the beginning of the rainy season – usually in the first week of July every year. Vanamahotsava week is celebrated by planting saplings of common plants like babul, peepal, mango, neem, bamboos, etc.
Vanamahotsava is observed by the government as well as the common people. Indian government has instituted full all-India shields viz. Rajendra shield for best district, Jawahar for the best village, Sardar Patel Shield for best university in planting trees. The government has also issued a strict prohibition on cutting down the trees.
