North India
Really simple!!: What major idea or lesson does the festival of Dussehra celebrate?
Acceptable answers: The victory of Good over Evil, of truth over lies, or righteousness (dharma) over immortality (adharma)
When talking about the festival, the name "Dusshera" is more common in North India. But in South India, Dusshera is often called "Vijayadashami."
The question: What does "Vijaya" mean in English?
Correct answer: Victory, or Triumph!
Fun fact: "Dashami" means the 10th day, so in English, Vijayadashami literally translates to "Victory on the 10th Day"!!
Which goddess is worshipped during Durga Puja?
Goddess Durga
Which Indian state is famous for Garba during Navratri?
Gujarat
In Delhi and Ayodhya, groups of actors perform outdoor plays showing the story of Lord Rama, or the mythological epic Ramayana.
The question: What are such plays called?
Correct answer: Ramlila
In Mangalore, Karnataka, Dusshera is celebrated in a unique way - dancers paint their bodies with stripes and dress up like which animal??
Correct answer: Tiger
In which state is Durga Puja celebrated on a grand scale?
West Bengal
What is the name of the energetic dance performed during Navratri in Gujarat?
Garba
At the National Dussehra Fair in Kota, Rajasthan, which is massive and almost month-long, huge statues of Ravana, Meghnad, and _____ are burned.
Fill in the blanks: Who is Ravana's giant sleepy brother?
Correct answer: Kumbhakarna
A grand procession (parade) called Jamboo Savari takes place in Mysuru during Dasara. Which majestic animal carries the large idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari through the streets?
Correct answer: An Elephant
Fun fact: Goddess Chamundeshwari is a fierce form of Goddess Durga or Parvati, and she is also the state goddess of Karnataka!
What are the decorated places where people gather to worship Goddess Durga called?
Pandals
What do dancers use in their hands during Dandiya Raas?
Dandiya sticks
Who am I??? (Hint: It is a city in northern India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh.)
I am world-famous for my 31-day-long Dusshera celebrations.
But - our celebrations are rooted in culture and tradition with no modern technology; no microphones, loudspeakers, or modern electric lights.
Instead, I am lit entirely using natural lighting like oil lamps and traditional torches in order to preserve our tradition of 200 years.
So, who am I?
Fun fact: This event is known as the Ramnagar Ramlila!!
Answer: The city is Varanasi (also called Banaras or Kashi).
Did you know that... on the 8th or 9th day of Navaratri (Durgashtami or Mahanavami), books, pens, and musical instruments are placed in front of the Goddess Saraswati?
The question: What do you think children are not supposed to do with those books and notebooks until the pooja is over?
Answer: Kids are strictly not supposed to touch, open, read, or study from those books.
But why? Because it is a symbol of respect and devotion to seek the blessings of knowledge and wisdom from Goddess Saraswati. During this time, the books are considered to be in a state of "rest," absorbing positive energies. When they are finally opened after the pooja, it marks a completely fresh and blessed beginning!!
What happens to the Durga idols at the end of Durga Puja?
They are immersed in water.
What is the name of the nine-night festival during which people perform Garba?
Navaratri
Unlike Delhi or Uttar Pradesh, in a valley called Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, huge effigies (statues) of Ravana are NOT burned during Dusshera.
Instead, a giant parade with chariots takes place. What is it called?
Correct answer: Rath Yatra
As part of Navaratri and Dussehra celebrations, Ayudha Pooja is celebrated in South Indian states like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. It worships and expresses gratitude for the objects, tools, and instruments that support our daily work and education, including books and kitchen utensils.
The question: Can you guess which special fruit or vegetable is smashed in front of vehicles and shops during Ayudha Pooja to repel negative energies and the evil eye (known as drishti or nazar)?
Correct answer: Ash gourd (also called white pumpkin or winter melon)
Which demon did Goddess Durga defeat to represent the victory of good over evil?
Mahishasura
What do people often wear while performing Garba and Dandiya during Navaratri?
Traditional, colourful clothes