Ramayana & Mythology
While ruling as a regent, Bharat refused to sit on the throne, instead placing these items in Ayodhya as a symbol of Rama's true authority
What is Rama's Padukas / Sandals
The country that celebrates Diwali as Tihar, an event featuring the special worship of dogs and crows
What is Nepal?
The 2001 Karan Johar film, starring the Bachchan and Khan families, that opens with Shah Rukh Khan making an iconic entrance during a Diwali celebration
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
This ancient city, the capital of Rama's kingdom, celebrated his return with the first Diwali
What is Ayodhya?
The chief of the Devas and god of rain and thunder, often depicted wielding the Vajra
Who is Indra?
Ravana's name was originally Dasagriva. He earned the name "Ravana" (one who cries out) after a failed attempt to lift this mountain
What is Mount Kailash
The Sikh religious holiday that coincides with Diwali, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment
Bandi Chhor Divas
The iconic song from the 2000 film Mohabbatein where Shah Rukh Khan's character rebels against Amitabh Bachchan's authority amidst a grand Diwali backdrop
What is Pairon Mein Bandhan Hai
This specific, highly fragrant flower is traditionally used for garlands and offerings during Diwali Puja.
What is Marigold / Genda Phool
This cosmic dance, performed by Lord Shiva, represents the cycle of creation and destruction of the universe
What is Tandava?
The second day, also known as Choti Diwali, celebrating the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna
What is Naraka Chaturdashi
This non-Indian country in the Pacific Ocean recognizes Diwali as an official public national holiday.
What is Fiji?
This critically acclaimed 1999 film features a gangster character returning home to his family on Diwali, leading to the iconic "Pachaas Tola" dialogue. Name Film and Actor
What is Vaastav: The Reality?
The lamps lit during Diwali are said to symbolize the sun and moon, symbolizing the need to return to this inner, fundamental light.
What is inner light - Joyti?
The name of the serpent on which Lord Vishnu is often shown reclining, symbolizing the infinite cosmos
What is Shesha or Ananta
The mythological episode from which both Goddess Lakshmi and Dhanteras's deity, Dhanvantari, are believed to have emerged.
What is the Samudra Manthan or Churning of the Cosmic Ocean?
The term Dhanpatiras is a variation of Dhanteras celebrated in this country known for its large Indian diaspora
Trinidad and Tobago
This Bollywood director is widely credited with starting the trend of releasing major, anticipated films every year around the Diwali holiday
Who is Yash Chopra?
The fourth day, which is sometimes celebrated as Annakut or as the day Lord Krishna lifted this mountain to protect the villagers.
What is Govardhan Hill?
The name of the primordial mountain used by the Devas and Asuras as the churning rod during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean)
What is Mandara?
In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the achievement of Nirvana (Moksha) by this last Tirthankara
Who is Mahavira?
In Malaysia, where the government regulates public gatherings, the Deepavali celebration is primarily focused on the tradition of taking this special type of purification bath
What is an oil bath
The 1965 film featuring the song "Piya Tose Naina Lage Re," which is picturized as a classic Diwali celebration
What is Guide?
In the story of Ravana's birth, he is a son of the Rishi Vishrava and this demon-rakshasa princess
Who is Kaikesi
This great sage is traditionally credited as the composer of the Puranas, and the author of the epic Mahabharata
Who is Veda Vyasa