The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, February 18,2024– Colorful gota chunnis, 52 yard daman and kurta on it are the identity of Haryana. Haryana’s magnificent art, culture and ancient heritage is becoming a reason for the curiosity of the audience at every step in the International Suraj Kund Craft Fair 2024. At most of the places, artists in colorful costumes are seen dancing on folk music and inspiring the visitors to participate in it. At times, the vibrant depiction of the rural environment shows the unity in diversity of India. The heritage exhibition “Aapna Ghar Haryana” is a great initiative to connect the youth with the ancient tradition and heritage of Haryana. The idea behind this heritage exhibition is to introduce people to traditional Haryanvi culture, which seems to be lost somewhere in this modern era.
Haryana’s traditional attire of daman, kurta and gota chunni can not only be seen in this exhibition but can also be purchased. People are buying it with great enthusiasm. It is interesting to know here that not only Indians but foreigners are also taking active part in purchasing this attire. Anju Dahiya, who is participating in the heritage exhibition, says that the daman worn by the women of Haryana weighs about 7 to 8 kg. Since ancient times, the attire worn not only by the women of Haryana has been heavy, In fact, the old folk jewellery related to Haryanvi culture has also been equally weighty and beautiful. Anju Dahiya is playing an important role in saving the priceless heritage of Haryana and passing it on to the new generation. She says that if the youth joins us to save the culture then only we can save our heritage. This campaign has been started with this thought and is getting popular among the youth.
In ancient times, 52 traditional ornaments were mainly prevalent in Haryana. Out of which, we have completely saved about 29 ornaments through this initiative. The only objective is to make this heritage accessible to the public through this exhibition.
Anju Dahiya says that hand made garments are kept here. Which is the main attraction of the fair. Because machine made clothes are available everywhere today. Which you can buy easily. But something made by hand and from the heart is priceless. Keeping this in mind, only hand made garments have been kept in this exhibition.
She says that efforts are being made to save the handicrafts and old heritage of the villages through heritage exhibitions. The dahala (big Bed) kept in the exhibition is about one hundred and fifty years old. In ancient times, Dahla was kept in the village chaupal. On which 8 to 10 people could sit at a time. The visitors coming to see Dahla are not only thrilled but also surprised because it is unique in itself.
Anju Dahiya explained in detail about the items displayed there that the Boiya (Bowl) used in ancient times is such an example of handicraft which earlier women used to prepare at home by crumpling old paper and applying bentonite clay (multani mitti) on it. Boiya was used to serve food to the wedding procession. In the same, a plow is also kept behind the plough, which is used to sow seeds in the fields. There was an old wooden box, a Doli (drum) that used to draw water from a well, hooks, bells that was tied around the neck of animals, which in olden times used to be heard in the ears of every person in the village in the morning and evening. Nyole, which was tied on the legs of animals. Which used to work as a lock system. Milk mill, flour grinding mill, which was an important part of women’s daily routine at that time. Because at that time only freshly ground flour was eaten in homes. The same muddha, tangli, jelly, saddle, measuring weights, clay jug, charkha, hookah etc., which we have somehow forgotten in the era of modernity. This is a great initiative to make people aware of all these things and connect them with their roots through this exhibition.
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