Van Mahotsav

What is Van Mahotsav?

A national tree‑planting festival celebrated annually from 1–7 July, timed with the onset of the monsoon for optimal sapling survival .

Launched in 1947 by M.S. Randhawa and institutionalized in 1950 by K.M. Munshi to foster environmental awareness and afforestation .



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📅 Theme & Significance (2025)

Theme: “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (“A Sapling in Mother’s Name”), symbolizing nurturing, growth, and emotional bonding with nature .

Emphasis on biodiversity, climate resilience, and citizen-driven environmental stewardship .



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🏞️ Major Activities Across India

Uttar Pradesh

Ambitious target: 35 crore (350 million) saplings across the state, coordinated via 2,586 nurseries .

Special initiatives:

1.14 crore roadside plantings and 2.5 lakh along expressways .

Distribution of saplings and “Green Gold” certificates to parents of babies born during the week .

Creation of themed mini‑forests—Atal Van, Ekta Van, Triveni Van, Oxy Van, Shaurya Van, Gopal Van—for ecological and cultural impact .


Launched by President Murmu in Gorakhpur, alongside dignitaries planting a Rudraksha sapling .


Delhi & Chandigarh

Delhi inaugurated Van Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam (July 3) with a month-long campaign, Van Mela fair, and pledge to plant 70 lakh trees to improve air quality .

Chandigarh rolled out plantation drives in 253 locations, targeting over 1 lakh saplings in a single day, including mobile sapling distribution and digital monitoring via QR codes .


Manipur, Punjab & Haryana

Manipur (Ukhrul, Vashimtang, Imphal; Day 1–3) actively planted trees under the local theme “Plant Trees, Save Trees — Lend a Hand…” by forest officials and students .

Punjab planted 3,000–5,000 native saplings in Mattewara Jungles to rejuvenate floodplain ecosystems .

Chandigarh’s Post Graduate Govt College saw students plant 300+ medicinal and ecologically significant trees including Neem, Tulsi, Ashoka, and Rudraksha .



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👨‍👩‍👧 Community & Institutional Participation

Involvement from government departments, schools, universities, NGOs, religious bodies, and local communities, bridging tradition with grassroots action .

Unique participatory methods:

Parents receive saplings with their newborns .

Sapling distribution vehicles (“Van Vibhag Aapke Dwar”) reaching neighborhoods in Chandigarh .

Digital platforms for monitoring and issuing participation certificates .




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✅ Why It Matters

Boosts green cover, aids carbon sequestration, and curbs soil erosion and air pollution.

Encourages ecological literacy and a sense of responsibility among citizens—especially youth.

Offers economic, social, and health benefits through community engagement and ecosystem restoration .

Here’s a well-rounded FAQ on Van Mahotsav 2025:


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❓ What is Van Mahotsav?

Van Mahotsav ("Forest Festival") is a week-long national tree-planting initiative held annually from 1–7 July to coincide with the monsoon, promoting environmental awareness and boosting green cover across India .


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🕰️ When did it start and why?

Originated in July 1947, organized by M.S. Randhawa.

Institutionalized in 1950 by K.M. Munshi to foster ecological consciousness and curb deforestation through community-driven planting efforts .



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📅 When is Van Mahotsav 2025?

Celebrated from July 1 to July 7, 2025, aligning with the monsoon for optimal sapling survival .


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🧭 What is the theme for 2025?

The theme is “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” ("A Sapling in Mother’s Name"), emphasizing nurturing, familial bonds, and environmental stewardship in honor of mothers .


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🌳 What are this year’s major initiatives?

1. Uttar Pradesh aims to plant 35 crore saplings, with 52+ crore prepared across 2,586 nurseries. Activities include themed mini-forests (Atal Van, Ekta Van, Oxy Van, etc.) and gifting saplings with “Green Gold” certificates to newborns born during the week .


2. Delhi has launched a month-long drive starting July 3, targeting 70 lakh+ trees, including exhibitions (‘Van Mela’) and workshops .


3. Chandigarh plans to plant over 1 lakh saplings in a single day at 253 locations, with QR-monitored plantations and “Van Vibhag Aapke Dwar” mobile sapling distribution vehicles .


4. Colleges, schools, forest departments, NGOs, and community bodies across states are planting medicinal and native saplings, organizing eco-events, seminars, and volunteer mobilization .




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👥 Who can participate and how?

Everyone — citizens, parents, students, NGOs, corporates, religious groups.

Actions include planting and nurturing saplings at homes, schools, parks, and organizing local drives.

Tools include sapling distribution, awareness campaigns, and eco-workshops .



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🌍 Why is it important?

Environment: Enhances green cover, increases biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, and sequesters carbon.

Climate: Trees help mitigate climate change and combat urban heat.

Social: Fosters community engagement, ecological education, and emotional connection through the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” theme .



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✅ How to get involved personally?

Plant a sapling in your home, school, or neighborhood during July 1–7.

Join or organize local drives in schools, parks, or NGOs.

Dedicate a tree in your mother’s honor as per the theme.

Volunteer with local forest departments or tree-planting groups.