Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. Suhag geet and Jaago accompanied by Dholki (small drum)

Dholki (a small, high-pitched version of Dholak) is specifically used during Haryanvi wedding ceremonies to accompany Suhag geet (wedding songs) and Jaago (night-long singing vigils). The rhythmic patterns of Dholki playing are distinctive to different phases of the wedding — haldi ceremony, barat arrival, wedding rituals, and vidai. Experienced Dholki players are an essential part of traditional Haryanvi wedding ceremonies. The instrument produces a sharper, faster beat compared to the deeper Dholak used in other folk performances.

Correct Answer: B. Rath Yatra is also celebrated in Haryana's Vaishnavite communities, particularly in temple towns

While the most famous Rath Yatra is in Puri (Odisha), the tradition is also celebrated in Haryana's Vaishnavite communities and Iskcon centers, particularly in urban areas like Gurugram and Kurukshetra. The Kurukshetra connection to Lord Krishna makes Rath Yatra particularly meaningful in the state. Local temples organize processions with Lord Jagannath's chariot during Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (June-July). This celebration connects Haryana's Vaishnavite tradition to the pan-Indian festival.

Correct Answer: B. Rohtak

Tilyar Lake Tourist Complex is located at Rohtak and is one of Haryana Tourism's major tourism destinations offering boating, gardens, and recreation facilities. The complex is named after the Tilyar water reservoir. Haryana Tourism has developed multiple tourist complexes across the state including Damdama Lake (Gurugram), Surajkund (Faridabad), and Tikkar Taal (Panchkula). Rohtak's Tilyar Lake is an important recreational facility for the central Haryana region.

Correct Answer: B. They are a farming and vegetable-growing community that has contributed to agricultural innovation in Haryana

Kamboj (also Kamboh) is a farming community in Haryana known for their expertise in vegetable cultivation and horticultural farming. The Kamboj community has contributed to the agricultural tradition of Haryana, particularly in market gardening and vegetable production for urban markets. Like the Jat, Ahir, and Gujjar communities, the Kamboj community's agricultural traditions are an important part of Haryana's rural cultural heritage. Each farming community in Haryana has contributed distinct agricultural knowledge and cultural traditions.

Correct Answer: B. Pitru Paksha (Shradh period)

Pitru Paksha (Shradh/Kaanagat period) is a 15-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar (Bhadra Krishna Paksha — September) when Hindus perform rituals to honor and offer food to deceased ancestors. In Haryana, the Shradh rituals are performed at sacred sites like Kurukshetra, Pehowa, and Panipath. The Haryanvi term 'Kaanagat' is used for these ancestor propitiation rituals. Kurukshetra is considered the most important site for Pitru Paksha rituals in North India.

Correct Answer: A. A traditional spinning wheel symbolizing Gandhi's Swadeshi movement, used in Haryana's khadi tradition

Charkhi (spinning wheel) is central to the khadi (hand-spun cloth) tradition in Haryana that gained importance during Gandhi's Swadeshi movement. Charkhi Dadri district is named after the prominent charkhi (spinning wheel fair/market) that was historically held there. The Haryana Khadi Gramodyog Board continues to promote hand-spinning and khadi production as part of the Gandhian heritage. Charkhi also gives its name to the Charkhi Dadri district (newer district carved from Bhiwani in 2016).

Correct Answer: B. Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya

Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya, the founder of the Gayatri Pariwar and All World Gayatri Pariwar movement headquartered at Shantikunj (Haridwar), had deep roots in Haryana's spiritual culture, though the official state song of Haryana has been composed by other artists. Haryana's cultural song traditions include compositions by various folk poets. The official state song and other state anthems are approved by the Haryana government. Various Haryanvi poets and lyricists have contributed to the state's cultural song traditions.

Correct Answer: B. String puppet (Kathputli) performances by the Nat/Bhat community presenting folk stories

Kathputli (string puppet) theater is performed by the traditional Nat and Bhat communities of Haryana as a traveling entertainment art form. Puppeteers present folk stories, mythological tales, and social satire through colorfully dressed wooden puppets manipulated by strings. While Rajasthan is more famous for Kathputli, Haryana has its own puppet traditions particularly in rural areas. The art form is endangered as fewer young people take it up as a profession, and government support for traditional puppet artists has been limited.

Correct Answer: A. Panipat

Panipat is not only the 'City of Weavers' for blankets and recycled textiles but also produces Durries (flat-woven cotton rugs/carpets) as part of its rich weaving tradition. Durries are used as floor coverings, prayer mats, and decorative items. Panipat's weaving industry encompasses multiple products: recycled fiber blankets, Durries, Khes, and other textile items. The city's weaving tradition dates back several centuries and continues to support thousands of weaver families.

Correct Answer: B. A cultural movement promoting Sufi music, poetry, and the syncretic spiritual heritage of Haryana

Sufi Lehar represents the Sufi music, poetry, and spiritual heritage movement in Haryana that draws on the Sufi saints' tradition — Bu Ali Shah Qalandar (Panipat), Mujjadid Alf-e-Sani (Sirhind), and others associated with the region. Haryana's Mewat region has a strong Sufi cultural tradition. Qawwali music at dargahs and Sufi spiritual gatherings (mehfil-e-sama) are an important part of Haryana's composite cultural heritage. The movement promotes interfaith harmony through the syncretic spiritual traditions of Sufism.