RAMAYAN
What was Ram's mother's name?
Kausalya
Deepavali
what oil is traditionally used for diyas on Diwali ?
Mustard oil
Which brother sister duo is celebrated on Bhaidooj ?
Yama- Yamuna and Krishna -Subhadra
On the same night as Diwali, Jains celebrate what and why?
Mahavira to mark attainment of moksha
Name 2 out of the 3 wives of Ram's brothers
Urmila, Mandanvi, Shrutkirti
Approximately when did sage Valmiki write the Ramayan?
500 BCE to 100 BCE (this is the most agreed on answer, don't argue, just accept it)
Why we celebrate Narak Chaturdashi ?
to celebrate Lord Krishna and Devi Satyabhama's win over Narakasura
Diwali can't be celebrated w/o FIREWORKS - Which city, in which state is the biggest producer of fireworks in India?
Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
Mark release of Guru Hargobind Sahibji and 52 other Indian royals
Name 3 sons of Ravana ?
Meghanada/Indrajeet, Atikaya, Akshayakumara, Narantaka, Devantaka and Trishira.
Diwali is not only the start of a new Hindu year, but also marks the start of...
Name a place where is Diwali a national Holiday other than India?
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad, Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia. Singapore, Fiji
What happens on the Indian Pakistan border during Diwali?
They exchange sweets and wishes -- they put their differences aside
What does Diwali mean for Buddhists?
How many verses are in the Ramayan?
24,000 (bonus points for reciting just 50)
Who introduced fireworks on Diwali specifically?
Maratha rulers organized fireworks for the public in 1800s-ish)
Which festival falls on the next day of Diwali?
Govardhan Pooja
What were the first type of firecrackers in India?
SPARKLERS
What countries, other than India and the US, have a federal holiday for Diwali? Mention at least 4 countries.
Fiji, Mauritius, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Canada, Myanmar, UK, Pakistan
which Mountain Hanuman carried to save Laxman ?
Dronagiri / Mohadaya
When were fireworks used for the first time in India? (+- 100 grace years)
Around 1400 CE
What is recipe of Panchamritam ? (with propotion)
ghee, honey, sugar (or mishri), curd, and milk. This is expressed as a 1:2:4:8:16 ratio.
What is the purpose of "pathar ka mela" in Himachal Pradesh? Why do they do it?
They take the blood drawn from the stones and apply it to Goddess Kali - NO PARTIAL CREDIT
How many days is Diwali celebrated over?
5 days