The legends
This epic hero returns to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, which the festival celebrates.
Lord Rama
Which day of the five-day festival is the main night for Lakshmi Puja?
Day 3 (or lakshmi puja)
These small, earthen oil lamps are lit in rows to illuminate homes.
Divas or Diyas
On the night of Diwali, this Goddess of power is primarily worshipped in East India (Bengal).
Goddess Kali
This creamy, milk-based fudge is a popular sweet treat, often coated in edible silver leaf.
Barfi
The core meaning of Diwali is the spiritual victory of Light over Darkness and this over evil.
This first day of Diwali is dedicated to wealth, and people often buy gold or utensils.
Dhanteras
A decorative pattern made on the floor near the entrance using colored powders or flowers.
Rangoli
In South India, the main celebrations often center on the defeat of this demon by Lord Krishna.
Narakasura
What is the Hindi term for the popular Diwali sweets that are exchanged as gifts?
Mithai
The defeat of this demon king by Lord Rama is the central event in the North Indian version of the legend.
Ravana
The fifth and final day of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Bhai dooj
Before the festival begins, families do a deep cleaning, often called Shubh Aarambh, to welcome this Goddess.
Lakshmi
Govardhan Puja, which honors Lord Krishna, is often observed as the start of the New Year in this Western Indian state.
Gujarat
A crispy, spiral-shaped Namkeen (savory snack) often prepared in large batches for guests.
Chakli
Besides the return of Rama, the festival also honors this Goddess of wealth and prosperity who emerged from the cosmic ocean.
Goddess Lakshmi
Name the five days of the Diwali festival, starting from the first day.
Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj
On the main night of the festival, families perform Puja (worship) to Goddess Lakshmi and this elephant-headed God.
Lord Ganesha
To welcome their King, the people of Ayodhya lit their city with these objects, giving the festival its name.
Diyas
Name a specific, dense milk-based sweet and a specific fried, syrup-soaked sweet found on a Diwali platter.
Barfi / Ladoo (milk-based) and Gulab Jamun / Jalebi (fried/syrupy)
Besides Lord Rama, the story of this Hindu deity defeating Indra is also honored on the fourth day of Diwali.
Lord Krishna
What is the specific celestial event that must occur for the main night of Lakshmi Puja to be celebrated?
The extensive cleaning before Diwali is done to ensure the Goddess Lakshmi has a clean, welcoming place to do this.
Visit/Stay/Reside (or bless the home)
Name the specific day of the five-day festival that is celebrated as the start of the New Year (Bestu Varas) in the Western Indian state of Gujarat.
Govardhan Puja (Day 4)
Name two types of popular, fried, syrup-soaked sweets (mithai) that are staples on a Diwali platter.
Gulab jamun and Jalebi