Fives Days of Diwali
According to the Hindu Calendar (Vikram Samvaat), it is this month that Diwali starts in and ends in the following month. What are the months?
Ashvin (Aaso) & Karthik (Karthak)
Despite variations, Deepotsav fundamentally represents the victory of light, truth and knowledge over these 3 characteristics.
Darkness, truth, and ignorance
Who is the first US President to celebrate Diwali in the White House?
President Barack Obama
Sweta Masi only makes this fried treat once a year, traditionally eaten on Diwali. It is also Aadarsh & Nishtha's favorite!
Mathiyaa
On Diwali day, Shah Rukh Khan's character leapt nimbly out of a plane and ran to Amitabh & Jaya Bachchan to join the family celebration... in which movie?
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
The second day of Diwali celebrates the victory of Shree Krushna over this demon king, who had captured 16,000 women.
Narakaasur (Narak Chaturdashi)
Who wrote the Ramayan?
Maharishi Valmiki
Jains celebrate the achievement of this state by Lord Mahavira at the age of 42.
Nirvana (Moksha)
I am a white pastry stuffed with sweet filling folded and braided on the sides.
Gughara
Sonam Kapoor made waves when she wore an all-gold sari in a Diwali scene from a 2010 film that also featured actors Lisa Haydon and Abhay Deol. Name the film.
Aisha
Bestu Varas, the fourth day of Diwali, is also celebrated as ___________ (named after the arrogant king who was defeated on this day).
Bali Pratipada
Traditionally, 14 diyas are lit in a row to represent this time period in the life of a famous and revered deity.
Ram's 14 years of exile
Leicester, England
Which milk based sweet is often eaten on Diwali?
Barfi
Aamir Khan and Ayesha Jhulka celebrated Diwali and tease each other, sing and dance in a Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) song. Name the song.
Shehar ki Pariyon ke Peeche
Bhai Beej, the last of Deepotsav, is a day celebrating the bond between a brother and sister. This stems from the legend that this devata visits his sister each year on this day. Name this sibling pair.
Yama & Yami
This line from the following Shaanti Mantra gets closest to explaining the essence of Diwali:
A) असतो मा साद गमय
(B) तमसो मा ज्योतिर् गमय
(C) मृत्योर मा अमृतम् गमय
(B) तमसो मा ज्योतिर् गमय
What do Sikhs commonly celebrate Diwali as?
Bandi Chhor Diwas (Commemorates the release of Guru Har Gobind Sahib from prison in 1619)
The fourth day of Diwali literally means "Mountain of Food".
This Bollywood director started the trend of Diwali releases. Lamhe, starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, was his first festive release. Name the director.
Yash Chopra
What are the 3 steps (boons) Vaaman took in order to defeat Bali Raja?
1. The Earth
2. The Heavens
3. Bali's head (Everything in between the first two)
Shree Suktam, often recited on Dhanteras, address _____ (number) forms of Lakshmi.
Ashta (8) Lakshmi
1. Adi Lakshmi (the original mother goddess)
2. Dhan Lakshmi (money, gold, material wealth)
3. Dhanya lakshmi (agriculture, harvest, grains)
4. Gaja Lakshmi (animals)
5. Santan Lakshmi (offspring)
6. Veera Lakshmi (valor, courage)
7. Vijay Lakshmi (victory)
8. Vidya Lakshmi (knowledge)
In Tamil Nadu, "Thalia Deepavali" is a special once in a lifetime celebration for the group of people, where they are pampered by all their relatives.
Newly-weds celebrating their first Diwali together
Name the five ingredients in Panchaamruta traditionally used for Lakshmi poojan.
Honey
Sugar
Milk
Yogurt
Ghee
Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar's first film together featured a funny song about Diwali, Kaise Diwali manaaye lala, sung by Mohammed Rafi and featuring Johnny Walker. Name this 1959 film.
Paigham