Traditions
These small clay lamps are filled with oil or ghee, lit, and placed around the home
What is Diya?
These fried, triangular pastry pockets stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas are a go-to party appetizer.
What are Samosas?
In Season 3 of The Office, this Scranton branch manager mistakenly calls Diwali "Hindu Halloween" and impulsively proposes to his girlfriend at a Diwali party.
Who is Michael Scott?
What city has the largest celebration of Diwali outside of India?
What is Leicester, UK?
Temporary body art applied to the hands and feet using a paste made from the powdered leaves of the a certain plant.
What is Mehndi (or Henna)?
The colorful decorative art patterns made on doorsteps and entryways using colored sand, flower petals, or rice powder
What is Rangoli?
This clarified butter is the rich, aromatic cooking base used for frying and making traditional festive sweets
What is Ghee?
This high-energy dance track from the Indian film RRR made history in 2023 by winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
What is "Naatu Naatu"?
How many people on average celebrate Diwali?
What is 1 Billion?
An iconic traditional garment for women, consisting of an unstitched piece of fabric usually 6 to 9 yards long that is pleated and draped over the shoulder.
What is a Saree (or Sari)?
Diwali is traditionally a five-day festival; this opening day is considered auspicious for welcoming good health, wealth, and positive energy
What is Dhanteras?
These soft, spongy dough balls made from milk solids are fried and soaked in warm sugar syrup flavored with rosewater and cardamom.
What is Gulab Jamun?
This Bollywood superstar crossed over to American TV in the thriller series Quantico and is married to pop star Nick Jonas.
Who is Priyanka Chopra?
In 2023, this major US city officially designated Diwali as an annual public school holiday.
What is New York City?
The decorative mark or jewel placed between the eyebrows, derived from the Sanskrit word for "drop" or "point."
What is a Bindi?
Celebrated on the day right before the main Diwali night, this "eve" of the festival literally translates from Hindi as "Little" or "Small" Diwali.
What is Choti Diwali?
One of the most gifted sweets at Diwali, these diamond-shaped treats are made primarily from finely ground cashew nuts and topped with edible silver foil.
What is Kaju Katli?
Season 2 of this hit Netflix period drama featured an indian-origin family and included an orchestral cover of the Bollywood song "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham." (Play Song)
What is Bridgerton?
Who celebrates Diwali? (Need to get all 4)
Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists all over the world
These signature, bell-shaped hanging chandelier earrings are a festive favorite, known for their swinging fringe and distinct jingling sound.
What are Jhumkas (or Jhumkis)?
Believed to invite good fortune and wealth for the coming year, family and friends often stay up late on Diwali night playing this popular party activity
Card Games (Poker, Rummy, or Teen Patti )
Literally translating from Sanskrit as a "mountain of food," this delicious post-Diwali tradition involves preparing and offering dozens—or even hundreds—of diverse vegetarian dishes to the deities
What is Annakut?
This British-Indian actor broke out in the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and went on to star in Lion and The Green Knight.
Who is Dev Patel?
Who is the first US President to host an official Diwali celebration at the White House?
Who is George W. Bush?
A popular three-piece festive outfit for women that features a cropped blouse (choli), a scarf (dupatta), and this heavily embroidered, flared floor-length skirt.
What is a Lehenga?