What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Haryana? Many of us think of green fields, wrestling matches in the desi akharas, and the sound of tractors! However, there is much more than this when it comes to discovering the place.
Despite its strong rural roots and agricultural background, Haryana is a treasure chest of colourful festivals, vibrant culture, heartfelt folklore, folk dance and time-honed traditions. Guess, what? Most of these activities are still very much alive and ruling the place.
It’s time to put yur curiosity to a rest about the cultural uniqueness of the North Indian state. We at Crafts of Haryana have curated the following blog that will help you discover the richness of Haryana’s cultural fabric. Be assured that you will find it warmer, deeper, and more joyous than what you’ve imagined.
Festivals: The Heartbeat of Haryanvi Culture
Let’s begin our journey of discovery by learning about festivals. It is because there’s no better way to understand a culture than by celebrating it with the locals.
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Lohri and Basant Panchami
These festivals symbolise the beginning of a new season and are celebrated with lots of dance, music, and involve the preparation of traditional food. Most of us think that Lohri is a Punjabi affair, but the same can’t be said for Haryana.
It is a community event where villagers gather, light bonfires, sing folk songs, and distribute gajak, rewari, and peanuts. Basant Panchami adds a splash of yellow colour across the entire state as people fly kites and wear yellow clothes on the auspicious occasion.
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Teej
Renowned for bringing out the best of Haryanvi womanhood, the Teej festival is all about heena-covered hands, green bangles, and beautiful swings hung below the trees. It is a sight to behold, watching them sing sawan songs, paying for their husbands well-being, and laughing and enjoying swinging under the tree.
It is the occasion where whole village gathers together to spread the joy of festivity, music, and laughter.
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Holi and Diwali
Much like the whole of India, the natives of Haryana celebrate Holi and Diwali in grand fashion! However, the celebration comes with a rustic twist. Holi is celebrated in latth-mar style play in some areas, whereas, Diwali brings home traditional sweets, warm glow of diyas, and homes are cleaned top to bottom to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to home.
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Gugga Naumi
The Gugga Naumi festival is deeply rooted in the Haryanvi folklore. It is celebrated in the honor of the serpent god, Gugga Pir. The celebration includes long processions, singing folk tales, and performing rituals to protect against snake bites.
It’s unique and gives you insight into the spiritual beliefs of Rural Haryana.
Folk Dances: Rhythm of Earth
You’re well aware of how pure joy looks like if you have seen a group of Haryanvi dancers performing under the open sky! Don’t think of folk dance as a regular dance performance, they’re perfect expressions of daily life, community bonding, and celebrations.
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Ghoomar
Despite its origin in Rajasthan, Ghoomar has become a beloved dance form among the locals of Haryana, especially among women. With swirling movements and flowing ghagras, it’s a sight to behold to see them performing.
Women dance in circles, twirling and clapping, and is often performed during after harvests or festivals.
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Phag Dance
The dance form is mainly performed during the month of Phalgun (around Holi). It is a riot of color and energy. Its beauty lies in the aspect that both men and women can participate in it to celebrate the arrival of spring.
The joy is infectious and the beats will compel even the shyest person to join and enjoy the dance performance.
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Dhamal
It is mainly performed by men and is full of energy! Dancers carry swords, sticks, and shields, moving rhythmically to the beat of traditional instruments like nagada and dhol.
Dhamal often symbolises the warrior spirit and valor of Haryana.
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Loor Dance
Young girls perform the springtime dance, especially during the Holi. The dance is full of elegance and playfulness, involving catchy tunes and synchronised steps that depict seasonal changes and rural life.
Traditions: The Soul of Haryanvi Life
It’s time to shift our focus towards traditions! Let’s discuss those subtle everyday practices that define the Haryanvi identity.
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The Art of Hospitality
The residents of Haryana are renowned for their straightforwardness! But don’t let this fool you. Their hospitality level is unmatchable. If you ever go to a village home in Haryana, the host will welcome you with a glass of Lassi in a large steel glass and serve you roti smeared with ghee or homemade butter.
Perhaps, you might also receive a cot as the locals believe in the concept: “Pehle Roti, Baad mei Baat”.
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Panchayats and Community Living
The locals still believe in maintaining strong panchayat structures, where elders come together to resolve disputes and make community decisions. Even though legal system is there, people still gather under a tree and collectively discuss issues and resolve them.
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Folk Music and Oral Storytelling
Haryana's folk music is authentic, unadulterated, and true to its origins.The local musicians often carry dholak, been, and ektara and sing romatic tales and legends. Oral storytelling, such as, ragni, is a powerful medium of education, entertainment, and cultural preservation.
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Costumes and Jewellery
The traditional Haryanvi attire perfectly speaks volumes of its heritage! Women often wear odhni with ghaghra, whereas, men wear kurta-pajama or dhoti-kurta with turbans. The believe in proud display of traditions by wearing heavy silver jewellery, especially in the rural regions.
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Jat Culture and Martial Traditions
A large portion of the Haryana population belongs to the Jat community! They’re renowned for their strong sense of identity, bravery, and love for wrestling. The traditional akharas are still active and the young boys start receiving training at the early age, not just in physical strength, but in discipline and ethics also.
Conclusion
To sum up, Haryana is not just a state from where soldiers, farmers, or wrestlers come. It is the land where every tradition is a story, every celebration is a song, and every dance is a dialogue.
The folk dances, festivals, and customs that have been passed down through generations are not just cultural elements, they’re the heart and soul of Haryana!
So, next time when you pass through Haryanvi village or attend a festival, pause there and soak in the vibes. Watch the ghoomar, listen to the dhol, or maybe even join the celebration. Because culture in Haryana is lived!
