Deepavali Significance
What does the word "Deepavali" (or Diwali) literally translate to in Sanskrit?
Row of lamps
Thalai Deepavali is a unique custom of which Indian state?
Tamil Nadu
What savory, crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice and chickpea flour is a classic South Indian Deepavali treat?
Murruku
Which forest did Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spend part of their exile in?
Dandakaranya
According to classical Puranic texts, Dhanvantari emerged on
In states like West Bengal and Odisha, the night of Diwali is uniquely dedicated to the intense worship of which powerful deity instead of Lakshmi?
Goddess Kali
Shyama Puja or Kali Puja coincides with the night of Diwali in Bengal, invoking the fierce form of the Divine Mother to conquer darkness and ignorance.
Which city would you travel to if you wanted to witness the magnificent ritual of Ganga Aarti?
Varanasi
Which Indonesian island outside of India is famous for its elaborate Diwali celebrations?
Bali
Which Weapon did Lord Rama use to kill Ravana, leading to his journey back to the kingdom?
Brahmastra
Which multinational technology company officially inaugurated its festive homepage takeover tradition in 2003 with a simple static lamp graphic, which has since evolved into an annual, highly complex interactive JavaScript animation complete with a hidden "light the diyas" mini-game?
What demon king is celebrated as being defeated by Lord Krishna and Satyabhama on the day before main Deepavali?
Narakasura
What is the practice of taking a head-to-toe sesame oil bath before sunrise on Naraka Chaturdashi called in some regions?
Ganga Snaanam or oil bath tradition.
During the five-day Tihar festival in Nepal (celebrated alongside Diwali), the second day is specifically dedicated to Kukur Tihar, the worship of dogs. What is the rationale behind offering garlands and treats to dogs on this day?
They are considered messengers of Yama, the god of death, guarding the gates of the netherworld
Dogs are the loyal vahanas and companions of Yama; worshipping them on Kukur Tihar seeks protection from death and appeases the lord of justice.
Who are the deities worshipped as the gods of wealth?
Lakshmi Devi & Kubera Bhagavan
In the legend of Narakasura's defeat on Naraka Chaturdashi, the demon king ruled over Pragjyotisha and terrorized the three worlds. According to several Vaishnavite texts, who is credited with delivering the final fatal blow that vanquished Narakasura after Lord Krishna is temporarily rendered incapacitated or simulates unconsciousness?
The churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan)
According to the Padma Purana, which celestial event gives birth to Goddess Lakshmi on the first day of Deepavali - Dhanvantari Trayodashi or Dhanteras?
In South Indian Deepavali traditions, the morning oil bath is referred to as Ganga Snanam. According to popular folklore and Puranic explanations, why does applying and washing off oil at sunrise on this specific day carry the spiritual efficacy of bathing in the Ganges River?
Tradition dictates that Goddess Ganga infuses the water and Lakshmi/Dhanvantari infuse the oil used at dawn on Naraka Chaturdashi, purifying the body completely.
Along the banks of which river do the people of Ayodhya traditionally light hundreds of thousands of lamps during Diwali?
Sarayu River
What is the name of the divine wish-fulfilling cow that emerged from the Samudra Manthan and is honored during the first days of Diwali?
Kamadhenu (or Surabhi).
Who became the first U.S. President to host an official Diwali celebration at the White House?
Bill Clinton.
What is the connection between Deepavali and the Ramayana?
Deepavali directly commemorates the final chapter of the Ramayana: Rama's defeat of Ravana and his homecoming after 14 years of exile.
Citizens of Ayodhya lit clay lamps to guide Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana home, creating the tradition of illumination that defines Deepavali today.
What is the massive offering of hundreds of vegetarian dishes prepared and presented to Lord Krishna on Govardhan Puja called?
Annakut (meaning "a mountain of grain").
Playing which recreational game with family and friends is a popular traditional pastime on Deepavali night, believed to bring good fortune?
Playing cards / dice games (traditionally symbolizing the game played by Shiva and Parvati).
Which community in India commemorates during Deepavali the major event of the release of their Guru and 52 Hindu Princess by Mughal Jahangir?
Sikh community.
Bandi Chhor Divas (Day of Liberation) marks the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, and 52 royal princess from Gwalior Fort by the Mughal king Jahangir.
What is the special one-hour stock market session held during Diwali evening called?
Muhurat Trading