Gujarat Celebrates 75th Van Mahotsav with New ‘Harsiddhi Van’ Forest

Gujarat is set to mark the 75th anniversary of ‘Van Mahotsav’ with state-wide events. Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel will preside over the celebration at Gandhvi village in Devbhumi Dwarka on July 26, 2024. This year’s festivities honour Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Event Highlights

The highlight of the event is the inauguration of the 23rd cultural forest, ‘Harsiddhi Van,’ at the historic Harsiddhi Mata Temple in Gandhvi village, Kalyanpur taluka. The ceremony will commence at around 11:00 am and will see the attendance of Forest and Environment Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera, and Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Mukesh Patel. ‘Harsiddhi Van’ boasts approximately 41,619 saplings of diverse species, emphasising Gujarat’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

State-Wide Celebrations

The ’75th Van Mahotsav’ will be celebrated across 33 districts, 8 municipal corporations, 250 talukas, and 5,500 villages, with State Cabinet members participating. The tradition, initiated 75 years ago by the visionary Shri Kanaiyalal Munshi, reflects Gujarat’s enduring dedication to tree plantation and environmental care.

Cultural Forests

Cultural forests, known as ‘Sanskrutik Van,’ integrate cultural and environmental themes. The first such forest, ‘Punit Van,’ was established in Gandhinagar in 2004 under then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Over the years, 22 cultural forests have been developed, each serving as tourist attractions and environmental protectors. Notable among them are Punit Van in Gandhinagar, Mangalya Van in Ambaji, Tirthkar Van in Taranga, and Harihar Van in Somnath.

Harsiddhi Van

‘Harsiddhi Van’ is strategically located in the Dwarka-Somnath Cultural Corridor, enhancing cultural tourism. Attractions include Harsiddhi Mataji Sanskrutik Vatika, Sri Krishna Upavan, and various themed gardens. Visitor amenities such as parking, drinking water stations, and a seedling sales centre are provided to enhance the recreational experience. The ‘Harsiddhi Van’ is named after the revered Harsiddhi Mata Temple, a site of cultural and historical significance dating back to the Chalukya period. Situated along the Medhakhadi River and near the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, the temple is deeply embedded in Gujarat’s heritage and mythology.

The establishment of ‘Harsiddhi Van’ not only reinforces Gujarat’s environmental initiatives but also showcases its cultural richness, promising significant benefits for both the community and the environment.