Haryana — Culture,
Heritage & Language
Kurukshetra, agriculture, wrestling, Gurugram
Introduction
Haryana, carved out of Punjab in 1966, surrounds Delhi on three sides and is a powerhouse of agriculture, manufacturing and sport. Kurukshetra — the battlefield of the Mahabharata — gives it deep mythological resonance.
Quick Facts
Capital
Chandigarh
Largest City
Faridabad
Official Language
Hindi
Formation Date
1 November 1966
Area
44,212 sq km
Population
29,000,000+
Region
North
Type
State
Language
Hindi is the official language and Punjabi a second official language. Haryanvi is the dominant dialect, with Mewati, Bagri and Braj also spoken regionally.
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Traditional Dress
Men wear dhoti, kurta and turban (pagri); women wear ghagra, kurti and odhni (chunder), often with heavy silver jewelry.
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Festivals
Teej, Baisakhi, Gugga Navami, Holi and Diwali are celebrated. Surajkund International Crafts Mela near Faridabad is internationally renowned.
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Cuisine
Rustic and dairy-heavy: Bajra Khichdi, Kadhi Pakora, Bathua Raita, Singri ki Sabzi, Churma, Ghee-laden rotis and Lassi.
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Literature
Folk poetry traditions of Saangi (Lakhmi Chand) and writers like Pandit Mange Ram, Kheri-based bards and modern Haryanvi novelists shape its literature.
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Art Forms
Saang folk theatre, Phag and Ghoomar dances, Jhumar dance and traditional embroidery; Haryana also leads India in wrestling and boxing.
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Historical Importance
Battleground of three Panipat wars and the Mahabharata's Kurukshetra; an early Harappan site at Rakhigarhi; modern hub for IT and auto industries in Gurugram and Faridabad.
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