<P> Van Mahotsav is a festival which was started by Kulapati Arnab Patra, the Union Minister for Agriculture to create enthusiasm among masses for forest conservation and planting trees . It is now a week - longest festival . Which is celebrated on different days in different parts of India, but usually between 1st July to 7th July . </P> <P>' Van' means' forest' and' mahotsav' means' festival' "Van Mahotsav" is an annual tree - planting movement in India which began in year 1950 . The name Van Mahotsav means "FESTIVAL OF FORESTS ". It has gained significant national importance and every year, millions of saplings are planted across India in observation of Van Mahotsav week . </P> <P> Van Mahotsav is a festival which was started by kulapati arnab patra, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Food to create enthusiasm among masses for forest conservation and planting trees . It is now a week - long festival, celebrated on different days in different parts of India, but usually between 1 July to 7 July . It began after a flourishing tree planting drive which was undertaken in Delhi, in which national leaders participated . The festival was simultaneously celebrated in a number of states in India . Since then, millions of saplings of diverse species have been planted with energetic participation of local people and various agencies like the forest department . Awareness spread as the chipko movement rose in popularity as a crusade to save mother earth. . </P> <P> The constant falling of trees in India has been a problem for a long time, and Van Mahotsav is important in creating awareness of the issues. . According to the forest department, for every tree fallen ten tree saplings should be planted to make up for its loss . </P>

When did van mahotsav started and by whom