Supporting women key to survival of Haryanvi folk art: Suman Saini

Haryana State Council for Child Welfare (HSCCW) Vice-President Suman Saini has emphasised the importance of supporting women artists to ensure that Haryana’s folk art survives in modern age.

She was speaking at the state-level Sanjhi Utsav-2025, organised by The Heritage Village, under the joint aegis of Virasat Heritage, the Association of Haryanvis in Australia (AHA), on Sunday evening.

Suman Saini said these initiatives will yield significant results in the coming years. She presented the first prize of Rs 51,000 to Muskan from Kurukshetra for her Sanjhi creation. The second prize of Rs 31,000 went to Meenakshi from Hansi, while the third prize of Rs 21,000 was awarded to Neetu from Panipat.

Saini also inaugurated world’s largest Sanjhi measuring 30 feet high and 20 feet wide, created by artist Pawan and his team from NIT.

Virasat Director Abhinav Poonia said in Sanjhi Festival 2025 cultural programme showcased Haryana’s folk traditions. The performances traced the journey from the worship of Lord Shiva to Sanjhi Mata through folk dances. A special exhibition displaying traditional household items and farming tools was also organised.

Dr Mahasingh Poonia highlighted the crucial role women play in safeguarding folk traditions. Prof Sudesh Chhikara, Vice Chancellor of Bhagat Phool Singh Women’s University, called the 5th Virasat AHA Sanjhi Utsav a milestone in conserving Haryana’s cultural heritage and called for a greater involvement of social organisations and government bodies.