Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. Bhagavad Gita (part of Mahabharata)

The Bhagavad Gita, the sacred text that forms part of the Mahabharata, is primarily associated with Kurukshetra where Lord Krishna is believed to have delivered this discourse to Arjuna. The Mahabharata also references Kurukshetra extensively as the battlefield of the great war between Pandavas and Kauravas. The Vedas are associated with the broader Kurukshetra-Saraswati region of ancient India. Kurukshetra's cultural and religious significance makes it one of India's most sacred sites.

Correct Answer: B. A large elaborate nose ornament decorated with pearls/gems, worn by Haryanvi women

Nath is a traditional large elaborate nose ring worn by married women in Haryana, typically decorated with gold, pearls, and precious/semi-precious gems. It is an important bridal ornament and a symbol of married status. Different communities have their own distinct Nath styles. The jewelry tradition of Haryana includes gold ornaments for feet (Payal, Bichhia), wrists (Churiyan, Kangan), neck (Har, Mangalsutra), ears (Bali, Jhumki), and nose (Nath). These ornaments form an important part of Haryanvi cultural identity.

Correct Answer: B. In Rohtak — state body promoting performing arts (music, dance, theater)

Haryana Sangeet Natak Akademi (HSNA) is headquartered in Rohtak and is the state government body responsible for promoting performing arts including music, dance, and theater in Haryana. It gives annual awards to outstanding artists in various folk and classical arts. HSNA organizes workshops, festivals, and documentation projects to preserve Haryana's folk heritage. It collaborates with the national Sangeet Natak Akademi in Delhi for joint initiatives.

Correct Answer: B. International Geeta Mahotsav

International Geeta Mahotsav is organized by the Haryana government at Kurukshetra every year during Geeta Jayanti (Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi — November-December). The event draws scholars, spiritual leaders, and visitors from across India and abroad who come to celebrate and discuss the Bhagavad Gita's teachings. The event includes religious discourses, cultural programs, and exhibitions. It aims to propagate the message of the Gita as a universal philosophical text.

Correct Answer: B. Harvest festival marking Rabi crop harvesting and Sikh New Year in April

Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) is celebrated on April 13 or 14 as a harvest festival marking the completion of Rabi crop harvesting (particularly wheat) and the beginning of the Sikh New Year. In Haryana, Baisakhi is celebrated with Bhangra (men) and Gidda (women) dances, communal feasts, and fairs. It also has religious significance for Sikhs marking Guru Gobind Singh's creation of Khalsa in 1699. Baisakhi is a major celebration in Haryana's agricultural calendar.

Correct Answer: B. Hereditary drummer community that provides music at weddings and celebrations

Dholi refers to the hereditary musician community in Haryana that specializes in playing the Dhol (large barrel drum) at weddings, festivals, and celebrations. The Dholi community has been the traditional music provider for Haryanvi villages for centuries. The drumbeat of the Dholi has been integral to Haryanvi wedding processions (baraat), harvest celebrations, and community events. In modern times, their livelihood has been affected by the popularity of DJs and recorded music.

Correct Answer: C. Rajaram Sharma

Rajaram Sharma and other Haryana-based folk artists have depicted the rural life, agricultural scenes, and cultural traditions of Haryana through distinctive folk paintings. Haryana has a tradition of wall paintings (aripan, sanjhi) and folk art that depicts daily life, festivals, and mythological scenes. Modern Haryanvi artists have translated these traditions into fine arts. The Haryana government has supported art education through art colleges in Rohtak, Gurugram, and Ambala.

Correct Answer: B. Bajra Roti with Ghee and Jaggery

Bajra Roti (pearl millet flatbread) served with pure ghee and jaggery (gur) is considered the most iconic traditional food of Haryana. This simple combination represents the agricultural heritage of the region where bajra is grown extensively. Other traditional Haryanvi dishes include Kadhi (yogurt curry), Kachri ki Sabzi (wild cucumbers), Dahi-Bhalla, and Sangri (desert bean). Haryanvi cuisine is simple, nutritious, and derived from locally available agricultural products.

Correct Answer: B. Wild cucumber (Cucumis callosus) used to make curry or chutney

Kachri is a wild variety of cucumber (Cucumis callosus) that grows in Haryana's sandy and semi-arid regions. It is used in traditional Haryanvi cooking to make Kachri ki Sabzi (curry) and dried Kachri chutney. Kachri has a distinctive sour flavor and is used as a meat tenderizer in cooking. Dried Kachri powder is a common spice in Haryanvi cuisine. The use of wild and locally available plants like Kachri, Sangri, and Ker in cooking reflects Haryana's traditional ecological knowledge.

Correct Answer: B. Haryana has a film policy promoting Haryanvi language films with subsidies and incentives

Haryana has a Haryanvi Film Policy that provides subsidies, tax exemptions, and incentives to filmmakers who produce films in the Haryanvi language. The Haryanvi film industry (sometimes called Hollywood or Jatwood) has grown significantly in recent years with films on social themes relevant to Haryanvi culture. Prominent Haryanvi films include works on women empowerment, Khap traditions, farming life, and sports heroes. The policy aims to preserve the Haryanvi language through cinema.