Diwali Traditions
What is the name of the festival Diwali is also known as?
Festival of Lights
Which epic recounts Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile, a story central to Diwali?
The Ramayana
What do the diyas (oil lamps) lit during Diwali represent?
The triumph of light over darkness
Which Southeast Asian country celebrates Diwali as a national holiday?
Singapore
Which animal is traditionally worshipped during Diwali for its association with wealth?
Cow
Which goddess is worshipped during Diwali for wealth and prosperity?
Goddess Lakshmi
Who is the demon king that Lord Rama defeated, whose victory is celebrated during Diwali?
Ravana
Which colorful art form is traditionally created at the entrances of homes during Diwali to welcome the gods?
Rangoli
Which country has the largest Hindu population outside India?
Nepal
On Dhanteras, it’s customary to purchase precious items like gold or utensils. However, there is one metal item traditionally avoided for purchase on this day. What is it?
Iron
In India, how many days is Diwali traditionally celebrated?
Five days
Which emperor is known for releasing prisoners and pardoning debts during Diwali in ancient India?
Emperor Ashoka
What is the meaning behind bursting fireworks during Diwali?
To drive away evil spirits and celebrate the victory of good over evil
Which UK city is known for hosting one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India?
Leicester
Diwali also commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over which demon king in South Indian traditions?
Narakasura
What is the significance of lighting diyas during Diwali?
To signify the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Which Jain Tirthankara attained nirvana on Diwali?
Lord Mahavira
What does the lotus flower symbolize in Diwali celebrations, especially in Lakshmi Puja?
Purity, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment
Diwali is a public holiday in which African country known for its large Indian diaspora?
Mauritius
What common household item is avoided for gifting or lending on Diwali to prevent bad luck, but is considered auspicious to purchase on Kartak Vad Ekam, the first day of the Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar?
Salt
Diwali is a celebration that also marks the end of which important Hindu calendar month?
Ashwin
In Sikhism, Diwali marks the release of which Guru from Mughal captivity?
Guru Hargobind
Why are the brooms worshipped in some households during Diwali?
To symbolize the act of sweeping away poverty and inviting prosperity
Diwali is a recognized festival in which Pacific Island country with a significant Indian community?
Fiji
Some people believe that the number of diyas lit on Diwali holds significance. What specific number of diyas are traditionally lit to represent health and prosperity in Hindu households?
13 diyas