Asian Festivals
In Japan, what is the name of the festival dedicated to the cherry blossoms in spring?
A) Tanabata
B) Hanami
C) Setsubun
D) Obon
Hanami
Fact: Hanami means "flower viewing," and the festival is celebrated by having picnics under blooming cherry blossom trees.
Diwali celebrates the return of which Hindu god to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile?
A) Krishna
B) Shiva
C) Rama
D) Vishnu
Rama
Fact: According to the Ramayana, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to guide Lord Rama back home, marking the origin of Diwali.
What is the largest city in Texas by population?
A) Austin
B) San Antonio
C) Dallas
D) Houston
Houston
Fact: Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. and is known for its role in the energy industry and as home to NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Sushi, a dish of vinegared rice and fish, originated in which country?
A) China
B) Japan
C) Korea
D) Thailand
Japan
Fact: Sushi is a staple in Japanese cuisine and comes in many varieties, including nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls.
In Greek mythology, who is the king of the gods?
A) Zeus
B) Poseidon
C) Hades
D) Apollo
Zeus
Fact: Zeus is the god of the sky and thunder and is known for ruling Mount Olympus, home of the gods.
The Chinese New Year is based on which type of calendar?
A) Solar Calendar
B) Lunar Calendar
C) Gregorian Calendar
D) Julian Calendar
Lunar Calendar
Fact: The Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20.
Which goddess is worshipped during Diwali for wealth and prosperity?
A) Lakshmi
B) Saraswati
C) Durga
D) Parvati
Lakshmi
Fact: Lakshmi Puja is an important part of Diwali, and homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome her blessings.
What is the nickname of Texas?
A) The Lone Star State
B) The Yellowhammer State
C) The Empire State
D) The Golden State
The Lone Star State
Fact: The Lone Star symbolizes Texas's struggle for independence from Mexico and serves as a reminder of its proud heritage.
Tacos are a traditional dish from which country?
A) Mexico
B) Spain
C) Brazil
D) Argentina
Mexico
Fact: Tacos are typically made with corn or wheat tortillas filled with various ingredients such as meats, beans, and vegetables.
In Norse mythology, who is the god of thunder, often depicted with a hammer?
A) Odin
B) Loki
C) Thor
D) Balder
Thor
Fact: Thor is known for his mighty hammer, Mjölnir, which is said to protect both gods and humans from giants.
In which country is the Lantern Festival celebrated to mark the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations?
A) Vietnam
B) Japan
C) China
D) South Korea
China
Fact: The Lantern Festival involves lighting and releasing lanterns, symbolizing the hope for prosperity and happiness in the coming year.
What type of food is commonly shared and eaten during Diwali celebrations?
A) Dumplings
B) Sweets
C) Grilled meats
D) Bread
Sweets
Fact: Indian sweets, called "mithai," such as laddus and barfis, are a popular part of Diwali festivities.
What is the official state sport of Texas?
A) Football
B) Rodeo
C) Baseball
D) Basketball
Rodeo
Fact: Rodeo is deeply ingrained in Texas culture, reflecting the state’s ranching and cowboy history.
What is the main ingredient of hummus, a popular Middle Eastern dish?
A) Lentils
B) Chickpeas
C) Beans
D) Potatoes
Chickpeas
Fact: Hummus is made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon, and is a staple in Middle Eastern diets.
In Hindu mythology, which god is known as the preserver and protector of the universe?
A) Shiva
B) Vishnu
C) Brahma
D) Ganesha
Vishnu
Fact: Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is said to descend to Earth in different avatars to restore balance and order.
The festival of Songkran marks the traditional New Year in which country?
A) Thailand
B) India
C) Indonesia
D) Bangladesh
Thailand
Fact: Songkran is famous for its water fights, symbolizing the washing away of sins and bad luck.
Which region of India is known for celebrating "Kali Puja" during Diwali?
A) Maharashtra
B) West Bengal
C) Rajasthan
D) Gujarat
West Bengal
Fact: Kali Puja involves the worship of the fierce goddess Kali and is particularly popular in Bengal during the Diwali season.
In which city can you find the famous River Walk, one of Texas's most popular tourist attractions?
A) Houston
B) Dallas
C) Austin
D) San Antonio
San Antonio
Fact: The San Antonio River Walk is a network of walkways along the San Antonio River, known for its shops, restaurants, and scenic beauty.
Pho is a popular soup from which country, made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat?
A) Thailand
B) Vietnam
C) Cambodia
D) Laos
Vietnam
Fact: Pho is a beloved street food in Vietnam and is often eaten for breakfast or lunch.
The Egyptian god Anubis is associated with which of the following?
A) Sun
B) Afterlife
C) War
D) Wisdom
Afterlife
Fact: Anubis is often depicted as a man with the head of a jackal and is associated with mummification and guiding souls to the afterlife.
Which Hindu festival involves the worship of Goddess Durga and is celebrated mainly in West Bengal?
A) Diwali
B) Navaratri
C) Lohri
D) Makar Sankranti
Navaratri
Fact: Navaratri lasts nine nights and celebrates the goddess in her various forms, culminating in Durga Puja.
Diwali coincides with which significant event in the Sikh religion?
A) Birth of Guru Nanak
B) Bandi Chhor Divas
C) Vaisakhi
D) Maghi
Bandi Chhor Divas
Fact: Bandi Chhor Divas marks the day Guru Hargobind was released from prison and is celebrated by Sikhs during Diwali.
What major space exploration center is located in Houston?
A) Kennedy Space Center
B) Johnson Space Center
C) Marshall Space Center
D) Goddard Space Center
Johnson Space Center
Fact: NASA's Johnson Space Center is where astronauts are trained and where mission control for manned spaceflights is located.
Paella, a famous rice dish with saffron, originated in which part of Spain?
A) Andalusia
B) Catalonia
C) Valencia
D) Madrid
Valencia
Fact: Paella is traditionally made with rice, vegetables, and a mix of meats or seafood, with saffron providing its distinct yellow color.
In Roman mythology, who is the goddess of love and beauty, equivalent to the Greek goddess Aphrodite?
A) Juno
B) Venus
C) Minerva
D) Diana
Venus
Fact: Venus was highly revered in ancient Roman culture and is often depicted in art as the embodiment of love and desire.