It has since grown into a week-long national movement—this year running from July 1–7—to increase green cover, promote biodiversity, and foster ecological awareness.
This Year’s Theme: Ek Paudha Maa Ke Naam
In 2025, organizations from states to faith institutions are urging citizens to plant saplings in honor of mothers, symbolizing growth, nurturing, and deep-rooted love. From Catholic priests in Mangalore to environmental NGOs, the message is clear: caring for nature is an extension of caring for family and future generations.
Statewide Action: Uttar Pradesh’s Ambitious Drive
Uttar Pradesh is spearheading the initiative, aiming to plant 35 crore saplings during the week—coordinating 2,586 nurseries, planting trees along expressways and roads, and creating themed mini-forests like Atal Van, Shaurya Van, and Triveni Van.
Parents of babies born from July 1–7 in government hospitals will receive symbolic saplings and “Green Gold” certificates, blending environmental care with family joy.
Maharashtra’s Urban Green Push
State authorities are planting 100,000 saplings in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), using the Miyawaki method to establish fast-growing, dense native forests on undeveloped lands. Meanwhile, Delhi is pledging 7 million trees, hosting exhibitions showcasing biodegradable innovations, and involving thousands of volunteers for planting drives under its air-quality improvement strategy.
Cultural Participation
Van Mahotsav has transcended governmental events—religious organizations, schools, NGOs, and local communities are joining hands. In Mudipu (Karnataka), the Catholic Sabha partnered with the Forest Department to plant 300 saplings in a church campus, emphasizing the lifelong care trees need. Similar campaigns are unfolding nationwide: from school seminars and artistic contests to public rallies and eco-workshops
Van Mahotsav isn’t just a month of planting—it’s a moment of reawakening, challenging us to care for our environment and each other. From sapling to forest, every tree planted is a seed of community, climate hope, and intergenerational care.
