Gujarat Celebrates 75th Van Mahotsav with Grand State-Wide Events

Gujarat is set to celebrate the 75th 'Van Mahotsav' anniversary with state-wide events on July 26, 2024. Led by CM Bhupendra Patel, the highlight is the inauguration of the 23rd cultural forest, 'Harsiddhi Van,' at Gandhvi village. Attractions include cultural forests and various visitor amenities.

Gujarat is gearing up to commemorate the 75th anniversary of 'Van Mahotsav' with a series of events across the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will lead the celebrations at Gandhvi village in Devbhumi Dwarka on July 26, 2024.

This year's festivities are in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, with the focal point being the inauguration of the 23rd cultural forest, 'Harsiddhi Van,' at the historic Harsiddhi Mata Temple in Kalyanpur taluka's Gandhvi village.

The ceremony, scheduled to start at 11:00 am, is expected to feature the Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera and Minister of State for Forest and Environment Mukesh Patel. 'Harsiddhi Van' includes about 41,619 saplings of various species, underscoring Gujarat's commitment to environmental preservation.

The '75th Van Mahotsav' will be celebrated in 33 districts, 8 municipal corporations, 250 talukas, and 5,500 villages, with participation from State Cabinet members. The tradition was started 75 years ago by Kanaiyalal Munshi, mirroring Gujarat's longstanding dedication to tree planting and environmental care.

Cultural forests, or 'Sanskrutik Van,' blend cultural and environmental themes. The first such forest, 'Punit Van,' was established in 2004 in Gandhinagar under then-CM Narendra Modi. Since then, 22 cultural forests have been developed, becoming tourist attractions and environmental protectors. Notable ones include Punit Van, Mangalya Van, Tirthkar Van, and Harihar Van. 'Harsiddhi Van' is part of the Dwarka-Somnath Cultural Corridor, enhancing tourism. Attractions include themed gardens and amenities such as parking, drinking water, and a seedling sales center.

'Harsiddhi Van' is named after the historic Harsiddhi Mata Temple, a significant cultural site from the Chalukya period located by the Medhakhadi River and near the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. This initiative not only strengthens Gujarat's environmental efforts but also showcases its cultural wealth, benefiting both the community and environment. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)