Ramayan
What empire was Lord Ram the ruler of?
Ayodhya
Diwali honors Lakshmiji, what is she the goddess of?
Wealth and Good Fortune
The word "diwali" is originated from which language?
Sanskrit
How many days is Diwali celebrated over?
5 days
What is Diwali also known as?
The Festival of Lights
Sita, the wife of Ram, is the incarnation of which Goddess?
Lakshmi
Who is the husband of the Goddess Lakshmi?
Vishnuji
What is Diwali the celebration of, according to Hinduism?
The return of Prince Rama to Ayodhya
Which Hindu month is Diwali observed on across most of India?
Kaartik
What kind of oil is traditionally used in lighting diyas?
Mustard Oil
Which body part was Ravan shot in by Ram?
Naval (Belly Button)
Which deity is Goddess Kali said to emerge from?
Goddess Parvati
How long ago do historians estimate Diwali was first celebrated?
2,500+ years ago (around 500 BC)
The third day of Diwali is celebrated by lighting thousands of clay lamps and setting some adrift on the rivers, followed by fireworks. What does this signify?
Welcoming Lakshmiji into homes
What do Sikhs commonly call Diwali?
Bandi Chhor Divas
How long did it take Lord Ram to reach Ayodhya after killing Ravan?
20 days
What was the name of the bow that Lord Ram broke when contesting to marry Sita?
Pinaka
Why is Diwali celebrated on the specific day it is? What is special about that day?
It is a moonless night (amavasya), so the lights, diyas, and firecrackers are all the more vivid!
"Thalai Deepavali" is a unique Diwali tradition in which Indian state?
Tamil Nadu
What date did the United States Congress introduce a bill granting Diwali as a national holiday in the US?
November 3, 2021
How many verses are there in Ramayan?
24,000 (Yes, twenty four thousand - how many do you know?)
Lakshman is the incarnation of which deity?
Sesha, the multiple-headed naga (serpent) upon whom Lord Vishnu rests
Approximately when did sage Valmiki write Ramayan?
Controversial, but best known sources estimate 500 BCE to 100 BCE
Name 3 places that have Diwali celebrations almost as big and festive as India.
Canada, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, UK, Thailand, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji
The fifth day of Diwali is dedicated to the bond between siblings, what legend does this stem from?
The love between Lord Yama and his sister Goddess Yami.