Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 7

Correct Answer: B. Jaago

Jaago is a folk song tradition in Haryana where women sing songs and perform throughout the night during marriage ceremonies, particularly the night before the wedding. The Jaago procession involves women carrying a decorated pot with a flame (jaago) singing songs to celebrate the occasion. Similar traditions exist in Punjab. In some communities, Jaago songs are also sung during religious vigils (Jagrata). The tradition keeps the family awake and creates a festive atmosphere.

Correct Answer: B. An eco-cultural tourism circuit through Aravalli hills including Punchkula, Gurugram, and heritage sites

Haryana Tourism promotes an Aravalli Heritage Trail that takes tourists through the ancient Aravalli hill range covering heritage sites, nature trails, and cultural spots in Gurugram, Faridabad, and surrounding areas. The trail includes Damdama Lake, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Sheetla Mata Mandir (Gurgaon), and the ancient Aravalli fort ruins. This trail combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. Haryana's 'heritage tourism' initiative aims to diversify tourism beyond religious sites.

Correct Answer: B. Kurukshetra University — with a Sanskrit department and manuscript preservation center

Kurukshetra University has a dedicated Sanskrit department and a manuscript preservation center that preserves ancient Sanskrit and other language manuscripts. Given Kurukshetra's association with the Mahabharata and Vedic traditions, Sanskrit learning has a strong base here. The university also has a museum (Shrikrishan Museum) displaying artifacts from the Mahabharata era and other historical periods. Kurukshetra University is Haryana's oldest and most prestigious university, established in 1956.

Correct Answer: B. Sacred tirtha associated with the Mahabharata — Pandavas performed last rites of their ancestors here

Pehowa (Kurukshetra district) is a sacred Hindu tirtha where, according to tradition, the Pandavas performed the last rites (shraddha) of their ancestors. The Sarasvati river (now extinct) was believed to flow at Pehowa, making it especially sacred for ritual purposes. Pehowa has been mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures including the Mahabharata and Puranas as a place of pilgrimage. The site has a sacred tank and several temples dedicated to the ritual of pitru tarpan.

Correct Answer: A. Faridabad

Faridabad, as one of Haryana's oldest and largest industrial cities, has industrial museums and heritage sites showcasing the city's manufacturing history. The city's industrial growth since India's independence, particularly in engineering, rubber, and automotive sectors, represents an important aspect of Haryana's economic heritage. Regional museums in Faridabad also preserve artifacts from the pre-independence era of industrial development. Cultural and industrial heritage are increasingly being promoted by Haryana Tourism.

Correct Answer: B. Ragini Muqabala / Saang competition

Ragini Muqabala (or Saang competition) is a tradition of competitive verbal combat in verse (sung poetry) in Haryana. Two or more artists engage in a musical-poetic duel where each must respond to the other's verses with equal or superior verse compositions. This tradition requires extensive knowledge of folk literature, wit, and musical ability. Ragini Muqabala events are major crowd-pullers at Haryanvi cultural gatherings and are broadcast on Haryanvi TV channels.

Correct Answer: A. Same as Teej festival

Teeyan (also written as Teeyan or Teeyan) is essentially the same as the Teej festival — 'Teeyan' being the Haryanvi/Punjabi pronunciation of Teej. It is celebrated during the monsoon (Shravan) month by women. Swings are hung on trees, women wear new colorful clothes and glass bangles, sing folk songs, and celebrate together. The festival is one of the most important women's celebrations in Haryana and Punjab and celebrates the joy of rain and nature's fertility.

Correct Answer: A. Kurukshetra University Music and Dance Department

Kurukshetra University has a Department of Music and Dance that promotes both classical dance forms (Bharatanatyam, Kathak) and folk traditions. Annual cultural events at Kurukshetra University are important showcases for traditional arts. The Haryana Sangeet Natak Akademi (HSNA) at Rohtak also supports classical music and dance education. Dance and music academies in Rohtak, Hisar, and Ambala also train students in classical and folk performance traditions.

Correct Answer: B. Kheer-Puri ceremony (Chhathi/Chhati)

Chhathi/Chhati (sixth-day ceremony) is a post-birth ritual in Haryana where family and community celebrate six days after a child's birth. This is followed by the Mundan (first head-shaving) ceremony typically performed when the child is between 1-3 years old. Songs (Chhathi ke geet) are sung by women to bless the newborn. These life-cycle ceremonies are accompanied by distinct folk songs and rituals that form an important part of Haryanvi cultural traditions.

Correct Answer: B. Both Garba-style dance and Goddess Durga worship with Haryanvi folk songs and Jagran

Navaratri in Haryana is celebrated with both Garba-style group dance and traditional Goddess Durga worship (Devi puja). Jagran (all-night worship with devotional songs and Ragini) are organized at Devi temples. Shakti temples like Manasa Devi (Panchkula) and Kalka Mata (Panchkula-Kalka border) draw thousands of devotees during Navaratri. The Navaratri fair at Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurugram is a major event. Haryana's Navaratri traditions blend devotional Devi worship with folk music traditions.