Haryana – the state has been a cradle of Indian civilization and culture which astonishingly combines both antiquity and plenty. The history of this state is glorified replete with myths, legends and Vedic references.

Haryana has the richest archaeological treasures of ancient Indian civilization including Harrapan and Vedic civilizations. Recent discoveries in Haryana exceed all records of archaeological excavations. Besides, discovering Banawali (2700BCE), Kunal (4000BCE) Bhirdana (approx. 7750BCE, oldest) in Distt. Fatehabad, Rakhigarhi (6400 BCE, Asia’s largest) in Distt. Hisar, their latest discovery is Farmana near Meham (2200BCE). The land has to its credit of being the possessor of sacred ashrams of great saints like Maharishi Veda Vyas, Markandeya, Kapil Muni, Rishi Pundrik and many more. In the quiet hermitages of Haryana were created early Vedic literary works of great merit and from its stones were sculptured some of the finest creation of Indian Art. It is the cradle of the Indian culture and civilization as well as the crucible for the emergence of a culture in India which has left for us a rich artistic legacy in the form of historical monuments besides having the highest number of archaeological sites (444 out of 633) in the country pertaining to the ancient civilization.

Yodhhey Ganrajya (approx. 500BCE) also known as Ancient Haryana, which was spread across current Haryana state, Delhi and western part of Uttar Pradesh was known as first republic of the world. Sarvkhap panchayats is one of its kind social administration and judiciary system started on this land in 7th century CE by Maharaja Harshwardhan of Thanesar which still exists.

In Medieval times Haryana witnessed the insurgency from west and was battleground of many important battles including three battles of Panipat, Battle of Terrain (Taraori), 1857 Mutiny.

Modern Haryana and Delhi region was carved out of North Western Province and merged with Punjab after 1857 mutiny by Britishers as strategic move to weaken the strength of NWP. From then till 1st November 1966 Harayana was part of Punjab state. It was made a separate state in Union of India on 1st November 1966, but its cultural boundaries are not limited to administrative Haryana state and the people of Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Northern Rajasthan shares the same culture, folk religion, music, art and history.

Major religion of Haryana is Hinduism but Sikshism and Islam is also practiced in some parts. Majority of Hindus in Haryana are not too much in idol worship and follow the Principal of one God which is close to Arya Samaj Ideology. Rural Folk religion is also very popular in Haryana which keep people inclined towards their ancestors rather than mythology. Major Deity of Rural Haryana are their ancestors which are worshiped by building a separate temple called Dada Kheda / Baba Bhainya / Jatheraji / Dada Than or various other names depending on geographical location of village. These temples don’t have any idols or priest in them and believed to be the place of first ancestor who established village. Every village has its own Dada Kheda temple and is believed to be the most sacred place of the village. Temple is very simple plain white color single story structure build on square platform, erected square hall, with semi-spherical dome. Temple campus have a well inside it which is part of various rituals. On all important occasions of life like birth, wedding,

The celebrations of Haryana are the symbol of their glorious history and culture. Almost all the festivals here are organized and celebrated with zeal enhancing the feeling of harmony among the different tribes of the state. With high festive spirit tourists around the globe come here and take part in the festivals to live life to the fullest.

Various Art & Craft popular in local culture of Haryana, most of them are made and home and few available in market.
Phulkari, Shisha Embroidery, Saanjhi art, Terracotta, Mudhah making, Peedha making, Brass metal art, Zari Jutti, Sandalwood crafting, Basketry, Punja Durries, Wooden beads, Clay pottery, Lugdi (paper pulp) Pottery, Pot painting, Lakh Chudhi, Chaamkijutti, Bagh,

Along with the innumerable list of festivals, the folk dances of Haryana are also known since ages. The spirit of Haryana culture can be seen in the lifestyle of the people there. Among the various dance forms, some of them are Dhamaal dance (Mahendargarh&Jhajjar, Originated in Mahabharat period), Manjira dance (Mewat – done Nagada, Manjire, Daf), Phaag dance (2 weeks before holi, female only, no male allowed), Damaroo dance (Male), Khoria dance (after departure of baraat by females at grooms place), Saang Dance (Veer Ras), Chhathi dance (Female, ubalechane, gehu (bankali) ), Chhadi dance (Googa Navami), Ghoomar dance, Ghodi dance (on wedding), Loor Dance , Raas dance (Taandav – Male and Lashya – Female), Dhol/Dhaf dance (Shringar and Veer ras done in Basant season), Rasiya dance (derived from brajkrishanleela), Been Bansuri dance (Bangar region – ghada with rubber used in it), Ratwayi dance (Mewat), Kheda dance (on death of elderly person – Jind, Narwana, Kaithal, Karnal), Gangaur dance (Hisaar), Googa dance (devotees beat themselves with chains, done with Sarangi and Geru), Teej dance (female on Teej festival)

Female: Odhani, Odhana( Sitaare- GottonWaliChundari), Kurta-Chunda-Daaman, Ghaghra, Borda (Khaddar), Leh (Yellow embroidery on Blue cloth), Kairi (Red on Blue) Kamari, Ghota-Sitaare-Chemek-Taani-Chitihuyifaliyowali Waal, Suit Salwar, Jhamfar, Dukaniya, Chyama, Sopali, Dimas / Dimach (Reshami) , Gumati, Lahariya, Peeliya, Kangh, Phulkari, Fargal, Jhugala, Jooti,
Haansali, Ganthi / Kanthi, Galshri, Dholna, Raanihaar, Borla, Chhalkadi, Pendal, Patri, Kadula, ,Jhaalra, Pajeb, Nath, Koka, Nathni, Loung, PurliJhaanjhar, Bujni, Maathekisahr, Dande / Daandi, Chhalkade, Tabizi, Guliband, Taad, Joi, Jomala, Hathfool, Anguthi,

Male: Dhoti ,Rejeka Kurta, Kameez, Chaddar, Parna, Khesi / Khes, Dohri, Khandka / Khandwa, Saafa (Sainik style), Paagadi (Marwadi style), Kurta-payjama, Kamari, Jooti
Ganga JamuniKanthi, Guthali, Haansli, Murkhi, Anguthi, Bujni, Taagadi, Baali,

Among the most prosperous states of India, it occupies an important place being the state with the highest per capita Income. Presently, it is gaining a world-wide fame because of its rich cultural and agricultural practices.