The Five Days of Diwali
The Significance of Diwali
The Celebration of Diwali
The Art of Rangoli
Diwali Potpouri
100
Not surprising, this name for the 4th day of Diwali literally means "Mountain of Food."
What is Annakoot?
100
Despite variations, Diwali fundamentally represents the victory of light, truth and knowledge over these 3 opposite characteristics.
What are darkness, lies and ignorance?
100
Originally, these were set off to scare away evil spirits, but now they really just attract no-so-evil kids.
What are fireworks?
100
This used to be primary color of Rangoli, signifying peace, purity and tranquility.
What is a white?
100
Diwali is actually a contraction of this more formal name for the holiday meaning "row of lights."
What is Deepavali?
200
The 5th day, Bhai Duj, is also known as Yamadwitheya, celebrating this brother visiting his sister for dinner.
Who is Yama?
200
For Jains, Diwali celebrates the achievement of this state by Lord Mahavira at the age of 42.
What is Nirvana?
200
In some areas, these animals who are believed to be incarnations of Lakshmi are adorned and worshipped during Diwali.
What are cows?
200
The traditional number of petals in this flower in Rangoli design varies amongst regions from 4 to 8 up to 24.
What is the lotus?
200
According to the Indian calender, it is the month that Diwali starts in. It is also the youngest Joshi in Maumee.
What is Ashvin (or Ashwin)?
300
On the 3rd day, the Lakshmi Puja is performed bathing the idols in Panchamitra which is made up of these five ingredients.
What is sugar, milk, honey, yogurt, and ghee?
300
Originally, 14 diyas were lit in a row to represent this time period.
What is the 14 years of Rama's exile?
300
In southern India, a ritual bath on the morning of Diwali is taken with this often mixed with fragrant powders, such as sandalwood.
What is oil?
300
Two intersecting triangles in Rangoli design represent Saraswati, the deity of this.
What is learning?
300

He was the first U.S. President to celebrate Diwali in the White House.

Who is Barack Obama?

400
On Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, traditionally wives not just buy gold and silver jewelry, but these more useful items as well.
What are kitchen utensils?
400
He brought the storms that forced Krishna and his villagers to seek refuge under Mount Govardhan, literally.
Who is Indra?
400
Gambling, a very popular tradition in northern India, can be traced back to these two deities playing dice. Famous sculptures of this can be seen at the Ellora caves.
Who are Shiva and Parvati?
400
These body parts are often placed as part of the design to welcome Lakshmi into the home, though you would expect to see them after she had already come.
What are feet or footprints?
400
This is the kind of fragrant oil traditionally burned in Diwali lamps.
What mustard oil?
500
The 2nd day of Diwali celebrates the victory of Krishna over this demon king and retrieving the precious stolen earrings of Aditi. (He also freed the 16,000 daughters held captive, and married them all as well.)
Who is Narakasur?
500

The followers of this religion celebrate Diwali as the return of their Guru from captivity in the city of Gwalior.

What is Sikhism?

500
In Tamil Nadu, "Thalia Deepavali" is a special once in a lifetime celebration for this group of people, where they are pampered by all their relatives.
Who are newlyweds celebrating their first Diwali together?
500
The tradition of Rangoli can be traced back to this Indian state.
What is Maharashtra?
500
This is the one state in India where Diwali is not a major festival.
What is Kerala?
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