Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. Panchkula

Panchkula district is home to two important Goddess temples: Mata Manasa Devi Temple at Mansa Devi, Panchkula, and the Shri Mata Kalka Ji Temple at Kalka (on the Panchkula-Shimla highway). Mata Manasa Devi temple is a major pilgrimage site for northern India, especially during Navaratri. The Kalka Mata Mandir is an ancient temple of Goddess Kali. Both temples receive millions of devotees annually, making Panchkula a major religious tourism destination.

Correct Answer: B. 'Ram Ram Sa' or 'Jai Ramji ki'

'Ram Ram Sa' (also 'Ram Ram Bhai' or 'Jai Ramji ki') is the traditional Haryanvi greeting used by people in rural Haryana, reflecting the region's Vaishnava Hindu tradition. The greeting invokes Lord Rama. 'Sat Sri Akal' is the Sikh greeting used in Punjab. 'Namaste' is used more formally and in urban areas. 'Ram Ram Sa' captures the essence of Haryana's rural folk culture and its deep-rooted Hindu traditions.

Correct Answer: B. Pinjore

Pinjore (Panchkula district) is associated with the Yadavindra Gardens, also known as Pinjore Gardens or Naulakha Bagh. The name Naulakha Bagh refers to the historical gardens built by Nawab Fidai Khan (Mughal-era architect) using a budget of nine lakhs — hence 'Naulakha' (nine lakh). The terraced Mughal-style garden is set against the Shivalik hills. Haryana Tourism maintains the gardens and organizes the Pinjore Heritage Festival here annually.

Correct Answer: B. Mewati Classical music tradition (Ghazal and Khayal)

The Mewati gharana of classical music, associated with the Mewat region (Nuh district) of Haryana, is one of India's classical music traditions (Khayal singing). Legendary musicians like Ustad Faiyaz Ali Khan and Ghulam Ali (Pakistani ghazal singer with Mewati roots) have carried this tradition. The Mewati classical music tradition represents a unique synthesis of classical Hindustani music with the folk traditions of the Mewat region. Haryana's Mewat region has produced some of India's finest classical musicians.

Correct Answer: B. Religious fair at Sheetla Mata Mandir (Old Gurugram) — one of North India's largest fairs

Sheetla Mata Fair is one of North India's largest religious fairs held at the Sheetla Mata Mandir in Sector 8/Civil Lines, Gurugram (Gurgaon). Sheetla Mata is the Goddess of smallpox/diseases and her blessing is sought for protection from illnesses. The fair is held on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami (eighth day of bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra). Millions of devotees from Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and UP visit the fair. It is a significant cultural and religious event for the NCR region.

Correct Answer: B. Manusmriti (Manu Dharmashastra)

Manusmriti (Manu Dharmashastra) refers to the land between the Saraswati and Drishadvati rivers as 'Brahmavarta' — described as the most sacred and pure land where the Vedic culture and dharma were practiced in their most authentic form. This region corresponds broadly to modern Haryana. The term 'Haryana' itself may derive from 'Hari' (Lord Vishnu/God) + 'ayana' (abode) or 'Har' (Shiva) + 'ayana'. The Saraswati river that once flowed through Haryana has become extinct (Ghaggar is its remnant).

Correct Answer: B. Devotional folk songs and dances dedicated to Lord Krishna performed in villages

Banwari refers to devotional folk songs and dances dedicated to Lord Krishna (Banwari is another name for Krishna). These are performed in villages during Janmashtami, Holi, and other Krishna-related festivals. The tradition is particularly strong in the Mathura-Vrindavan influence zone including southern Haryana. Banwari songs are characterized by melodious tunes and devotional themes celebrating Krishna's childhood and love stories.

Correct Answer: B. Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre / Shrikrishna Museum

Kurukshetra houses the Shrikrishna Museum (dedicated to Lord Krishna and the Mahabharata era) and the Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre. The Shrikrishna Museum displays sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and artifacts related to the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and Krishna's life from across India. The Panorama gives a 3D visual experience of the Mahabharata battlefield. Together, these institutions make Kurukshetra a rich repository of Mahabharata-related cultural heritage.

Correct Answer: A. Kaithal

Pundri in Kaithal district is a heritage town known for its traditional Haryanvi architecture featuring mud-walled houses (kuchcha ghar), havelis, and traditional designs. Kaithal district itself has several historical monuments including a Gurudwara Chhevin Patshahi (associated with the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind Singh). Traditional village architecture of Haryana uses locally available materials like mud, thatch, and wood in construction patterns adapted to the hot summers and mild winters.

Correct Answer: B. Chaupal

Chaupal (or Chaupaal) is the traditional community gathering place in a Haryanvi village, typically located at the center or entry of the village under a large Peepal or Banyan tree, or in an open paved space. Men gather at the Chaupal in the evenings to discuss village matters, resolve disputes, and socialize. The Chaupal is a symbol of Haryanvi village democracy and community life. The term has broader cultural significance across northern India, representing grassroots community governance.