Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 3

Correct Answer: A. Charkhi Dadri

Charkhi Dadri district is known for traditional pottery, earthenware, and handicraft traditions. The district has potters (Kumhar community) who make traditional clay pots, water storage pots, and decorative items. Charkhi Dadri was carved out as a separate district from Bhiwani in 2016. The district's folk art traditions represent the rural craft heritage of Haryana's interior region.

Correct Answer: B. Ragini Muqabala

Ragini Muqabala (competitive Ragini performance) is a popular entertainment format in Haryana where two folk singers engage in a verbal-musical duel, trading verses and challenging each other to respond. It requires quick wit, musical knowledge, and performance skills. Ragini competitions draw large crowds at fairs, festivals, and village celebrations. Famous Ragini artists from Haryana include Ramphal Shahpur and many others who have become household names in the state.

Correct Answer: B. A graceful women's dance from the Mewat region with distinctive head movements

Jhumar is a graceful folk dance tradition performed by women in Haryana, particularly associated with the Mewat (Nuh) region. It involves slow, circular movements with emphasis on hand gestures and head movements. Jhumar is performed during weddings and festive occasions. The Mewati region of Haryana has distinct cultural traditions influenced by both Hindu and Muslim folk practices, and Jhumar reflects this syncretic culture.

Correct Answer: C. Suhag

Suhag geet (wedding songs) are folk songs traditionally sung by women during marriage ceremonies in Haryana. These songs are sung at different stages of the wedding: bathing ceremony (haldi), mehendi, departure of the bride (vidai), and arrival at the groom's house. The songs often contain both joy and sadness — celebrating the marriage while lamenting the separation of the daughter from her family. Suhag geet are an integral part of Haryanvi wedding traditions.

Correct Answer: C. Been (Pungi)

Been (also known as Pungi or Murali) is a wind instrument made of a dried gourd with two bamboo pipes, traditionally played by Sapera (snake charmer) communities of Haryana and Rajasthan. The hypnotic sound of the Been is believed to attract and control snakes. Been music is associated with the Nath/Sapera folk musician community of Haryana. The instrument is also played by the Bawaria community during folk performances.

Correct Answer: B. An Indo-Aryan language closely related to Hindi and Braj, written in Devanagari script

Haryanvi (also called Bangaru or Jatu) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Haryana, closely related to Hindi, Braj Bhasha, and Punjabi. It is written in the Devanagari script. Haryanvi has its own distinct vocabulary, idioms, and grammatical features that differentiate it from standard Hindi. The language has a rich folk literature tradition including Ragini, Saang songs, and proverbs. There is a demand among Haryanvi speakers for official recognition and inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Correct Answer: B. Bu Ali Shah Qalandar of Panipat

Bu Ali Shah Qalandar (Shaikh Sharaf ud-Din Yahya Maneri) was a Sufi saint of the Qadri-Chishti order whose dargah (shrine) in Panipat is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and Hindus alike. Bu Ali Shah's shrine at Panipat draws devotees from across northern India, representing the syncretic Sufi tradition. The dargah hosts annual urs celebrations with qawwali performances. Haryana has a significant Sufi heritage, particularly in Panipat and Mewat region.

Correct Answer: B. A unique Holi celebration where women playfully beat men with sticks

Holi Danda (or Lathmar Holi) is a traditional Holi celebration where women playfully beat men with Danda (sticks/lathis) while men protect themselves with shields. This tradition is specific to certain regions of Haryana and is similar to the more famous Lathmar Holi of Barsana (UP). The tradition symbolizes the playful power reversal during Holi. It reflects the unique folk traditions that make Holi celebrations in Haryana distinct from other regions.

Correct Answer: B. Jyotisar near Kurukshetra where Krishna gave Bhagavad Gita discourse

Jyotisar is a sacred site near Kurukshetra where, according to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna before the Mahabharata War. The site has an ancient banyan tree (Akshaya Vat) believed to have been a witness to the Gita discourse. A marble chariot with Krishna and Arjuna statues has been installed at Jyotisar. The site is maintained by the Kurukshetra Development Board and is a major pilgrimage and tourism destination.

Correct Answer: B. It is in Kurukshetra, named after India's first woman astronaut from Karnal

The Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium is located at Kurukshetra, Haryana, named after Kalpana Chawla, India's first woman astronaut who was born in Karnal, Haryana. Kalpana Chawla flew on Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87) in 1997 and perished in the Columbia disaster in February 2003. The planetarium promotes science education and astronomy. Kalpana Chawla is a source of immense pride for Haryana and her birth anniversary (March 17) is celebrated in the state.