Diwali traditions
What is Diwali commonly known as?
The festival of lights.
Who is Lord Rama's wife in the Ramayana?
Sita
Which religion celebrates Bandi Chhor Divas around the same time as Diwali?
Sikhism.
What are traditional Indian sweets, often shared during Diwali, collectively called?
Mithai.
In which country did Diwali originate?
India.
What are the small lamps traditionally lit during Diwali called?
Diyas.
Which demon king was defeated by Lord Rama?
Ravana
Which Jain spiritual teacher's attainment of liberation is commemorated at Diwali?
Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.
Which cashew-based sweet is often cut into diamond shapes?
Kaju katli.
Does Diwali fall on the same Gregorian calendar date every year?
No. Its date changes each year.
What colorful designs are made on floors to welcome guests during Diwali?
Rangoli.
How many years did Rama spend in exile before returning to Ayodhya?
Fourteen years.
What does the name Bandi Chhor Divas mean?
Day of Liberation, or Day of the Release of Prisoners.
What two materials are commonly used to fuel a traditional diya?
Oil or ghee and a cotton wick.
Which Indian city is traditionally associated with Rama's return from exile?
Ayodhya.
Which Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity is widely worshipped during Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi.
Which demon king is associated with Naraka Chaturdashi and was defeated by Krishna in a popular legend?
Narakasura.
Which Sikh Guru's release from imprisonment is commemorated on Bandi Chhor Divas?
Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru.
What flaky, layered Indian sweet is commonly served during Diwali?
Soan papdi.
What is the Sanskrit name for the new moon day on which the main Diwali celebration generally falls?
Amavasya.
What is the name of the lunar month in which the main Diwali celebration generally falls?
Kartika (Kartik).
Which ancient Sanskrit epic tells the story of Rama's exile, battle with Ravana, and return to Ayodhya?
The Ramayana.
What Jain term describes liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth?
Moksha.
What is the name of the traditional decorative hanging placed over doorways to welcome guests during festivals?
Toran, also called bandanwar.
Why does Diwali's date change from year to year on the Gregorian calendar?
It follows the Hindu lunisolar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian date.