Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 10

Correct Answer: B. The 'Phalen Holi' where a person represents Prahlad and emerges unburnt from a burning pyre

The Holi celebration at Phalen village in Kurukshetra district features a dramatic reenactment where a person (representing Prahlad) sits in a burning pyre to demonstrate the victory of devotion over evil (like Holika Dahan). This is a unique tradition not found elsewhere and draws visitors from across the region. The tradition symbolically reenacts the story of devotee Prahlad who survived the fire through Lord Vishnu's protection. It is one of Haryana's most distinctive folk ritual traditions.

Correct Answer: B. Panchkula

The Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) is part of the Yadavindra Gardens (Pinjore Gardens) complex located in Pinjore, Panchkula district of Haryana. The palace is decorated with mirror-work and colored glass in Mughal architectural style. It was built by Nawab Fidai Khan during the Mughal period and later renovated by the Patiala royal family. The Sheesh Mahal and surrounding Pinjore Gardens are a major heritage tourism attraction in Haryana.

Correct Answer: B. Jab (Holi) geet — traditional Haryanvi Holi songs with rustic, earthy, and sometimes ribald content reflecting folk humor

Traditional Haryanvi Holi songs (Jab geet or Holi geet) are characterized by rustic, earthy humor and are often more explicit than mainstream folk songs — reflecting the tradition of unrestricted expression during Holi. The folk songs during Holi often satirize social norms, relationships, and community life. Traditional Haryanvi Holi celebrations involve community singing, color throwing, and consumption of sweets like gujiya and thandai. The tradition is being revived through cultural organizations promoting authentic folk expressions.

Correct Answer: A. The Tirtha Yatra circuit from Kurukshetra — covering all 48 tirthas

The Tirtha Yatra circuit of Kurukshetra encompasses 48 sacred tirthas (pilgrimage sites) mentioned in the Mahabharata within the Kurukshetra region. The main tirthas include Brahma Sarovar, Sannihit Sarovar, Jyotisar, Sthaneshwar Mahadev, and Pehowa. This pilgrimage circuit is described in the Vanparva of the Mahabharata. Haryana Tourism promotes this circuit as the 'Mahabharata Trail' connecting the 48 sacred sites across Kurukshetra district. Solar eclipse bathing at these tirthas is considered especially meritorious.

Correct Answer: B. A traditional community decision-making gathering of a village (Panchayat meeting)

Chaptar (or Khap Panchayat meeting) is a community governance tradition in Haryana where village elders and caste leaders meet to resolve disputes, make community decisions, and set social norms. The Khap Panchayat system is an ancient institution in Haryana, though it has attracted controversy for some of its rulings on marriage outside gotra and other issues. The traditional Khap institution represents Haryana's strong community governance culture. Modern legal reforms have sought to curtail Khap's illegal pronouncements while recognizing its cultural significance.

Correct Answer: B. A sacred tank at Kurukshetra where solar eclipse bathing is considered most meritorious

Sannihit Sarovar is a sacred tank at Kurukshetra that is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Haryana. According to Hindu tradition, bathing here during solar eclipses is equivalent to bathing at all holy rivers simultaneously. It is believed that all the holy rivers of India converge here on the night of the solar eclipse (Amavasya). Millions of pilgrims gather at Sannihit Sarovar during solar eclipses to take a dip in the sacred waters. It is one of the 48 tirthas of Kurukshetra.

Correct Answer: B. Hari geet (farm/harvest songs)

Hari geet (or Khet geet — field songs) are traditional Haryanvi folk songs sung by farmers while working in the fields during sowing, weeding, and harvesting seasons. These songs help coordinate group labor and provide entertainment during long hours of agricultural work. The songs often contain references to nature, seasons, agricultural activities, and village life. Seasonal folk songs are an important part of Haryana's oral folk tradition that has been transmitted through generations in agricultural communities.

Correct Answer: B. Former Deputy PM and 'Kisan ka Beta' — powerful symbol of Haryana's farmer-warrior identity

Devi Lal (1914-2001), fondly called 'Tau' (uncle/elder) by Haryanvi people, was a veteran politician who served as Chief Minister of Haryana twice and as Deputy Prime Minister of India (5th and 7th VP of India). His populist politics, simple lifestyle, and championing of farmer rights made him a cultural hero. 'Kisan ka Beta' (Son of the Farmer) was his popular title. The Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula is named after him. His legacy represents Haryana's farmer-warrior identity in political culture.

Correct Answer: B. Oral folk narrative tradition — telling stories of heroic deeds, love, and adventure in verse or prose

Kissa is the oral folk narrative tradition of Haryana in which storytellers (Kissa-go) tell stories of heroic deeds, legendary lovers, divine intervention, and social themes in verse or rhythmic prose. Famous Kissas in Haryana include Kissa Puran Bhagat, Kissa Raja Harishchandra, and Kissa Alha-Udal. The Kissa tradition has much in common with Doha/Chaupaee traditions in Hindi literature. Modern Haryanvi folk artists have adapted the Kissa format for social commentary on issues like dowry, women's rights, and farmer problems.

Correct Answer: C. Yamunanagar

Kalesar National Park is located in the Shivalik hills of Yamunanagar district, Haryana. It is Haryana's largest national park covering about 93 sq km of dense sal (Shorea robusta) forest. The park supports elephants (winter migration from Uttarakhand), leopards, sambar deer, and rich birdlife. Kalesar is part of the larger Kalesar-Rajaji wildlife corridor that connects the forests of Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. It was declared a national park in 2003 and is managed by the Haryana Forest Department.