Gods & Legend
This goddess of wealth and prosperity is the main deity worshipped on Diwali.
Who is Lakshmi Mata?
The "Festival of Lights" symbolizes the victory of light over this.
What is darkness (or good over evil)?
The general Hindi word for all Indian sweets, which are exchanged in large boxes during the festival.
What is Mithai?
This first day of Diwali is considered auspicious for cleaning and buying new items, especially gold or kitchen utensils.
What is Dhanteras?
Besides cleaning, many families buy these to wear on Diwali day.
What are new clothes?
Diwali celebrates the return of this lord to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years in exile.
Who is Ram Bhagwan?
The name for the small, traditional clay oil lamps lit during the festival.
What are Diyas?
These round, ball-shaped sweets are often made of gram flour (besan) or semolina (rawa).
What are Ladoos?
This second day is "Small Diwali," also known as 'Naraka Chaturdashi,' celebrating Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
What is Chhoti Diwali?
This popular card game is often played during Diwali parties, as gambling on this night is considered lucky.
What is Teen Patti?
What was the name of the 10-headed demon king Ravana's island kingdom?
What is Lanka?
These intricate, colorful patterns are made on the floor, often using colored powder, rice, or flower petals.
What is Rangoli?
This popular, diamond-shaped sweet is made primarily from a paste of cashews.
What is Kaju Katli?
This is the third and main day of the festival, when Lakshmi Puja is performed on the new moon night (Amavasya).
What is Diwali?
What is the full, traditional Sanskrit name for the 'Festival of Lights,' from which 'Diwali' is derived?
What is Deepavali?
This ancient epic poem tells the story of Lord Rama's exile, his battle with Ravana, and his triumphant return.
What is the Ramayana?
Traditionally, the wicks of diyas are soaked in this clarified butter, which is considered pure.
What is Ghee?
These dark-colored, fried dough balls, made from milk solids (khoya), are soaked in a sweet sugar syrup.
What are Gulab Jamun?
The day after Diwali, celebrated as Govardhan Puja, commemorates Lord Krishna lifting this mountain to protect his village.
What is Govardhan Hill?
This is the act of giving 'charity' or 'alms' to the poor, considered an important duty during Diwali.
What is 'Daan'?
Who was Lord Rama's father, the king of Ayodhya who had to send him into exile?
Who is King Dasharatha?
These decorative door hangings, often made of mango leaves and marigolds, are tied on the main entrance to welcome Lakshmi.
What are Torans?
This complex, layered sweet is made by deep-frying and soaking coils of fermented batter in syrup. (The easier answer will only give you 250 points)
What is Imrati?
This fifth and final day celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters pray for their brothers' long lives.
What is Bhai Dooj?
What is the name of the special square platform or stool, often decorated, upon which the idols and puja items are placed?
What is a 'Chowki'?