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Culture of Ambala

Also sometimes spelt as ‘Umbala’, District Ambala is situated in the state of Haryana. It lies just to the east of River Ghaggar. It is generally said that the origin of Ambala, the juncture of the plains and hills, dates back to the 14th century. Also, it is assumed to be founded by some Amba Rajput. The district is located just about 55kms from the state capital, Chandigarh. Ambala is famous for its cotton, sugar and grain industries and is a significant business center of Haryana.

Art and Craft of Ambala

Ambala is very much famous for its art and craft items all over the country. Pottery items of Ambala as well as the entire Haryana are very much admired everywhere in India. One can find different types of earthen articles including decorative items, toys, houses, people and much more.

Culture of Ambala

Ambala is also famous for its phulkari, embroidery. Usually, phulkaris done by the women of the house and it normally takes a long time to be completed. Sometimes it stretches to even years.
The durries made in Haryana are also very popular. The kinds of durries you will find in Ambala are rather course and have impressive geometric designs all over the mat.

Festivals in Ambala

Festivals are celebrated with much zeal and fervor all over the country, be it any state, any city or any village. Ambala is no different. People from all communities come together to celebrate these festivals. Some of the important festivals celebrated in Ambala are given here.

Lohri

The festival of Lohri marks the end of winter season and is celebrated on the 13th of January every year. A bonfire is lit and people gather round it, worship it and offer sweets to it, sing songs and exchange greetings with each other.

Gangore

In this, women take out the idols of Gangore and Ishar, sing songs in their praise and immerse them in water. Girls dress up in new and colorful clothes and pray for a nice spouse and the married women do the same for the happiness and long lives of their husbands. This festival is celebrated in honor of Goddess Gauri. Women dress up and bejewel the image of Gauri and take her idol in procession.

Culture of Ambala
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Teej

This festival is celebrated to welcome the monsoon or the ‘saawan.’ Women meet at a common place, apply henna on their hands and have swings. A puja is performed in the morning and the evenings are saved for dancing and singing.

Dance and Music in Ambala

In India, almost every region has a dance and music of its own. Be it a festival, a marriage or the birth of a child, every time is the time for dancing and singing in India. Some of the famous dances of Ambala are Phag (a seasonal dance), Ratvai and Dhamal dance.

Culture of Ambala

The music tradition of Haryana can be traced back to the Vedic period. In fact, Haryana is the only Indian state to have named its cities and villages named after the ragas. Haryana is very rich in folk music and the Bhats, Sangis and Jogis have made it this much popular.

Special Cuisine of Ambala

The eating and drinking habits of the people of Ambala can be squeezed into one word, i.e. ‘simple’. In the rural areas, people usually follow the pattern of 2 meals a day. However, this is not the case in the urban areas. Popular foods in Ambala are Makki Ki Roti, Sarson ka Saag, buttermilk, butter chicken and the like.

Thus, Ambala is a culturally rich district with a blend of Haryanvi and Punjabi culture.

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