The Five Days of Diwali
On Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, traditionally wives just buy gold and silver jewelry, but these more useful items as well.
Kitchen utensils
Despite variations, Diwali fundamentally represents the victory of light, truth and knowledge over these 3 opposite characteristics.
Darkness, lies and ignorance
How long ago did the first celebration of Diwali take place?
More than 2,500 years ago
This used to be primary color of Rangoli, signifying peace, purity and tranquility.
White
What is the meaning/translation of Diwali?
Row of lights
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.)
Narakasur
People who celebrate Diwali buy an enormous amount of metal as it symbolizes wealth and status. What is that metal?
Gold
In some areas, these animals who are believed to be reincarnations of Lakshmi are adorned and worshipped during Diwali.
Cows
What flower symbolizes purity, beauty, and prosperity, and is strongly associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth?
Lotus
During this festival, people decorate their homes with lights and oil lamps, called what?
Diyas
On the 3rd day, the Lakshmi Puja is performed bathing the idols in Panchamitra which is made up of these five ingredients.
Sugar, milk, honey, yogurt, and ghee
Originally, 14 Diyas were lit in a row to represent this time period.
14 years of Rama's exile
In southern India, a ritual bath on the morning of Diwali is taken with this often mixed with fragrant powders, such as sandalwood.
Oil
Two intersecting triangles in Rangoli design represent Saraswati, the deity of this.
Learning
Who was the first U.S. President to celebrate Diwali in the White House.
Barack Obama
This name for the 4th day of Diwali literally means "Mountain of Food."
Annakoot
He brought the storms that forced Krishna and his villagers to seek refuge under Mount Govardhan.
Indra
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.
Shiva and Parvati
What are common materials used to create Rangoli?
What are common materials used to create Rangoli? Rice powder, colored sand, flower petals, and crushed limestone
What kind of fragrant oil is traditionally burned in Diwali lamps?
Mustard oil
The 5th day, Bhai Duj, is also known as Yamadwitheya, celebrating this brother visiting his sister for dinner.
Yama
The followers of this religion celebrate Diwali as the return of Guru Hargobind Ji from captivity in the city of Gwalior.
Sikhism
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.
Newlyweds celebrating their first Diwali together
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.
Feet or footprints
This is the one state in India where Diwali is not a major festival.
Kerala