Which goddess do we worship during Navratri? How many incarnations do we worship of this goddess?
Durga, 9 forms
Who leaps/flies across the ocean to reach Lanka in search of Sita?
Hanuman
Diwali takes place approximately how many days after Dussehra?
19-21 (depending on lunar day)
How many days is Diwali celebrated for?
Diwali is the festival of:
Diwali is celebrated on Lord Rama's home-coming from exile. How many years did he spend in exile?
What does Navratri mean?
5, lights, 14 years, 9 nights
Rama is an avatar of which Hindu God?
Vishnu
What does the word Dussehra mean?
Victory on the 10th Day
List three names for the festival that immediately follows Navratri (that are used throughout North India, East India, South india)
Dussehra, Dasara, Vijayadashami
What is the name of the elderly woman who had unwavering faith for Lord Rama?
Shabari
On Diwali, people traditionally light small oil lamps called ___ and create colorful patterns called _____
Diya, Rangoli
What is the name of Ravan’s brother that was huge in size, strength, appetite, and how much he slept?
Kumbakarna
Hanuman is the son of who? Who ruled the monkey kingdom?
Lord Vayu, Sugriva
What animal was goddess Durga riding when she killed Mahishasur?
Lion
What was the boon that Mahishaura asked Lord Brahma for? (Hint: 3 Parts)
To not be killed by any man, god, or animal.
What is the name of Ravana's sister who lived in the forests of Panchavati, she wanted to marry Sri Ram? What did Lakshman do to her?
Surpanakha, nose was cut off
What does the word Deepavali mean?
Row of lights
Name and describe a tradition done in South India for Navratri:
Golu - display of idols, dolls, etc on steps
What is the name of the herb that Lord Hanuman finds on a mountain, which is still used today because of its healing powers?
Sanjeevani
What are two types of dances performed during Navratri, particularly in Gujarat?
Garba, Dandiya
What is a two word name that refers to the goddess we celebrate during Navratri that defeated a demon?
Mahishasura Mardini
What weapon does Rama use to kill Ravana?
Brahmastra
What is the name of the village that this Lord protects by lifting a mountain on his little finger?
Vrindavan
Who is the son of Ravana that was killed by Hanuman?
Indrajit
List the names of King Dasharatha’s wives, and who they were the mothers of:
Kausalya (Rama), Sumitra (Lakshmana, Shatrughna), Kaikeyi (Bharata)
What is the name of the tradition during Dussehra in which large statues of Ravana are burned?
Ravana Dahan
What is the puja done during Navratri to worship young girls called?
Kanya/Kumari/Kanjak pooja
What is the name of the maid who poisons Kaikeyi’s mind that ultimately leads to Rama’s exile?
Manthara
List the five days of Diwali in order:
Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, Lakshmi Puja, Goverdhan Puja, Bhai Dooj
What is the name of the bridge built by Lord Rama and his monkey like friends to cross the ocean to the island of Lanka?
Ram Setu
What is the name of the divine bow that Lord Rama broke during Sita’s marriage ceremony in King Janaka’s court? Who’s bow is it?
Pinaka, Shiva's bow
What is a ritual done during Navratri, especially in the southern states, where tools, vehicles, and weapons are worshipped?
Ayudh Puja