The Days of Diwali
The number of days the festival of Diwali is celebrated
What is 5?
In northern India, Diwali celebrates the return of this Hindu God to the kingdom of Ayodhya
Who is Lord Rama?
Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana
Originally, these were set off to scare away evil spirits
What are fireworks?
These two words result in the name for this festival
What is a Deepa and Avali or "row of lights"?
Deepa = Light
Avali=Row
The main day that Diwali is celebrated during the Diwali festival
What is the third day?
In Southern India, Diwali celebrates the defeat of the demon Narakasura by this deity.
Who is Lord Krishna?
These are flower petals, rice flour, chalk powder or colored sand decorations drawn on the floor, at entrances to homes to bring good luck
What is Rangoli?
This is what Diwali symbolizes
What is the victory of good over evil?
The festival of Diwali honors this Hindu Goddess
Who is Goddess Lakshmi? Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth but not just material wealth, but richness of family, friends, good health, good values and harmony
Legend has it that two deities Lord Shiva and Parvati played this game during Diwali
What is the game of dice?
Like Christmas, kids look forward to __________ because it symbolizes the sharing of Diwali joy and celebration
What are gifts?
A type of food and an activity that children enjoy during Diwali
What are Sweets and setting off Fireworks?
The day of Diwali that is referred to as Choti (or small) Diwali
What is Day 2 of the Diwali festival?
For Jains, Diwali celebrates the achievement of this state by Lord Mahavira.
What is Nirvana?
The traditional number of petals in this flower in Diwali doorway designs vary from 4 to 24
What is a Lotus?
This traditional object symbolizes victory over darkness
What is a diya (or clay lamp or light)
Bhai Dooj or the bond between brothers and sisters is celebrated on this day of the Diwali festival
What is the 5th day?
Bhai Dooj celebrates the love and bond between brothers and sisters. "Bhai" stands for brother and "Dooj" is the 2nd day of a 14-day time period.
The followers of this religion celebrate Diwali as the return of Guru Hargobind Ji's release from prison.
What is Sikhism?
Most people engage in these two activities prior to the start of the Diwali festival
What is cleaning house and decorating?
Diwali also marks the beginning of a new _______________ year in many parts of India
What is the new "financial" year?