Van Mahotsav is a tree-planting festival celebrated in India every year during the first week of July. The festival's name translates to "festival of trees" and its goals include raising awareness about the importance of trees and forests, and promoting environmental protection.

The festival was started in 1950 by Dr. Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Food at the time. It was inspired by a tree planting drive in Delhi in July 1947, which was attended by national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

People celebrate the festival by planting trees at homes, offices, schools, and colleges. Government officials, non-profit organizations, and volunteers also participate.

Van Mahotsav helps to reduce global warming and pollution, and to increase green cover in India. 

 Trees also provide many other benefits, including:

1 Providing alternative fuel

2 Increasing food production

3 Creating shelter belts around fields

4 Providing food for cattle

5 Offering shade and decorative landscapes

6 Helping to conserve soil

 #earthivist