Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 2

Correct Answer: B. Battlefield of the Mahabharata where Bhagavad Gita was delivered

Kurukshetra is identified in Hindu tradition as the battlefield of the Mahabharata War where the Pandavas defeated the Kauravas. According to the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna delivered his discourse to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra before the war began. The famous Jyotisar tank is believed to be the exact spot where Krishna gave the Gita discourse. Brahma Sarovar, the largest sacred tank in Haryana, is also located at Kurukshetra.

Correct Answer: B. The largest sacred tank in Haryana, located at Kurukshetra

Brahma Sarovar is the largest sacred tank (kund/sarovar) in Haryana, located at Kurukshetra. It is believed to be the site where Lord Brahma performed a yajna (fire ritual) at the beginning of creation. Bathing in Brahma Sarovar during solar eclipses is considered extremely auspicious, drawing millions of pilgrims. The tank has been renovated and is maintained by the Kurukshetra Development Board.

Correct Answer: B. A light cotton flat-weave textile used as a bed sheet or wrapping cloth

Khes is a traditional flat-woven cotton textile of Haryana, characterized by its light weight, geometric patterns, and durability. It is used as a bed sheet, wrapping cloth, or even as a sari by women. Khes weaving is especially associated with Panipat and the weaver communities of Haryana. The double-sided weaving technique used in Khes makes both sides equally attractive with the pattern visible on both faces.

Correct Answer: B. Dholak

Dholak (a two-headed hand drum) is the most commonly used percussion instrument in Haryanvi folk music and celebrations. It is used in weddings, festivals, folk songs (Ragini, Alha), and ritual music. The Been (pungi), Sarangi, and Algoza (double flute) are also important instruments in Haryana's folk music. Traditional Haryanvi songs for specific life events (birth, marriage, death) each have their own characteristic rhythmic patterns played on the Dholak.

Correct Answer: B. A heroic folk ballad tradition celebrating warriors like Alha and Udal

Alha is a heroic folk ballad tradition popular in Haryana and Bundelkhand region that celebrates the exploits of the legendary warriors Alha and Udal, generals of King Parmal of Mahoba (12th century). The Alha ballad is performed by folk singers (Dhadis and professional singers) to stirring music, often at fairs and festivals. Alha-Udal's tales of valor are deeply embedded in the folk consciousness of Haryana and neighboring states. The Alha singing tradition was particularly strong in the Mahendragarh-Rewari belt of Haryana.

Correct Answer: B. Gugga Naumi

Gugga Naumi (also called Guga Puja) is a Haryanvi festival dedicated to Gugga Peer (Zahir Peer), a folk deity believed to be the lord of snakes (serpents). It is celebrated on the 9th day of Bhadra month (August-September). Devotees carry brightly decorated snake effigies in procession, sing Gugga devotional songs, and offer prayers at Gugga shrines. The festival reflects the syncretic Hindu-Muslim folk religion tradition of Haryana.

Correct Answer: C. Teej

Teej is primarily a women's festival celebrated in the monsoon month of Shravan (July-August) to honor the union of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. Married women observe fasts, wear new clothes and bangles, swing on swings decorated with flowers, and sing Teej songs (geet). The festival celebrates the joy of rain and the arrival of monsoon. Teej is common to Haryana, Rajasthan, and UP and is a significant cultural celebration for women.

Correct Answer: A. A traditional rangoli art made with cow dung, flowers, and colored powders during festivals

Sanjhi is a traditional folk art of Haryana in which intricate patterns are created on walls, floors, and courtyards using cow dung paste, flowers, colored powders, and clay. It is primarily made by unmarried girls during the autumn festival season (Pitru Paksha/Navratri). Sanjhi designs include depictions of gods, animals, trees, and geometric patterns. The art form is a celebration of feminine creativity and is part of the living folk art tradition of the region.

Correct Answer: C. Lohri

Lohri is a popular festival celebrated in Haryana and Punjab on January 13th to mark the end of winter and the harvest of Rabi crops (particularly the sugarcane harvest). Bonfires are lit, families and communities gather around them, and offerings of sesame seeds, popcorn, and jaggery are thrown into the fire. Songs like 'Sundar Mundariye' are sung. Lohri is especially important for families with newborns and newly married couples.

Correct Answer: B. An annual cultural festival at Pinjore/Yadavindra Gardens in Panchkula

The Pinjore Heritage Festival (Pinjore Mahotsav) is an annual cultural festival held at the Yadavindra Gardens (Pinjore Gardens) in Pinjore, Panchkula district. It showcases Haryana's folk arts, crafts, music, and dance. The Yadavindra Gardens are Mughal-style terraced gardens built by Nawab Fidai Khan of Mughal era and later renovated by the Patiala royal family. The festival is organized by Haryana Tourism to promote cultural heritage and tourism.