Haryana
Haryana is a northern Indian state formed in 1966 after being carved out of Punjab. It is known for its agricultural prosperity, industrial development, and contribution to sports and defense services in India. The capital city Chandigarh is shared with Punjab, while Faridabad, Gurugram, and Panipat are major economic centers.
Geography and Demographics
Haryana spans 44,212 square kilometers and borders Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The state lies in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plain and supports dense agricultural activity. The population exceeds 29 million, with a strong presence of the Jat, Yadav, Brahmin, and Sikh communities.
Economy
Haryana is a leading agricultural state, often called the **‘Wheat and Milk Bowl of India’**, producing wheat, rice, sugarcane, and dairy. It is also one of India’s most industrialized states, with hubs like Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar, and Panipat contributing to automobile manufacturing, textiles, IT, and real estate.
Culture and Language
Haryanvi culture is rustic, vibrant, and deeply rooted in agrarian traditions. Folk songs, dances like **Ghoomar** and **Phag**, and festivals such as **Teej**, **Holi**, and **Lohri** are widely celebrated. Hindi is the official language, while Haryanvi and Punjabi are commonly spoken.
Sports and Military
Haryana is known for producing elite athletes in wrestling, boxing, shooting, and kabaddi. It contributes significantly to India’s Olympic medal tally and defense services. The state runs specialized sports nurseries and academies to nurture talent.
Tourism and Heritage
Key attractions include **Kurukshetra** (site of the Mahabharata war), **Panipat** (site of three historic battles), **Surajkund**, **Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary**, and **Morni Hills**. The **Surajkund Mela** is a famous international crafts fair held annually.
Education and Institutions
Major institutions include **Ashoka University**, **NIT Kurukshetra**, **IIM Rohtak**, **MDU Rohtak**, and **Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary Sciences**. Haryana has an emphasis on skill development and female education initiatives.
Governance
Haryana has a unicameral legislature with its capital functioning from Chandigarh. The Chief Minister heads the executive, and the judiciary is under the jurisdiction of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
See also
India Chandigarh Gurugram Haryanvi culture Panipat Kurukshetra Startup Company Brand Entrepreneur