Hindu Mythology & Origins
In northern India, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama and Sita to this kingdom after 14 years in exile.
What is Ayodhya?
Day 1 of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, is considered extremely auspicious for purchasing this precious yellow metal.
What is Gold?
These deep-fried, spiral-shaped orange sweets soaked in saffron sugar syrup are a staple throughout Diwali.
What are Jalebis?
The small clay lamps filled with ghee or oil that give the "Festival of Lights" its name.
What are Diyas?
In 2006, this U.S. version of a hit sitcom featured an episode titled "Diwali," where Michael Scott attends a festival hosted by Kelly Kapoor's family.
What is The Office?
On Diwali night, Hindu (Sanatana Dharma) worshippers primary pray to this goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
Who is Goddess Lakshmi?
Day 2, Naraka Chaturdashi (or Chhoti Diwali), traditionally begins before sunrise with this type of cleansing bath.
What is an Oil Bath (or Abhyanga Snan)?
Known as the "King of Indian Sweets," this golden, spherical treat is often made from boondi, besan, or motichoor.
What is a Ladoo?
Colorful geometric patterns created on the floor at entrances using colored powders, rice, or flower petals.
What is Rangoli?
In 2023, this U.S. state became the first to officially declare Diwali a public school holiday.
What is New York?
In Southern India, Diwali celebrates Lord Krishna defeating this demon king to bring light back to the world.
Who is Narakasura?
This primary day of Diwali features the main Lakshmi Puja and lighting of lamps everywhere.
What is Day 3 (Diwali / Amavasya)?
This fudge-like sweet is famously cut into diamond shapes and covered with edible silver leaf (vark).
What is Kaju Katli (or Kaju Barfi)?
Decorative door hangings made of mango leaves and marigolds hung at house entrances to welcome good energy.
What are Torans?
Outside of India, this South American nation with a large Indo-Caribbean population celebrates Diwali as a national public holiday.
What is Trinidad and Tobago (or Guyana/Suriname)?
He is the elephant-headed deity often worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali Puja to remove obstacles.
Who is Lord Ganesha?
Day 4, Govardhan Puja, commemorates Lord Krishna lifting this mountain on his pinky finger to protect villagers from torrential rain.
What is Mount Govardhan?
These milk-solid balls are fried until dark red-brown and soaked in a rose-cardamom syrup.
What are Gulab Jamuns?
Translating literally from Sanskrit, the word "Deepavali" means a row of these.
What are Lighted Lamps?
This English city holds the reputation for hosting the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India.
What is Leicester?
In Sikhism, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release of this 6th Guru from Gwalior Fort.
Who is Guru Hargobind Ji?
Day 5, Bhai Dooj/Rakshabandhan, celebrates the protective bond between these family members.
Who are Brothers and Sisters?
This savory, crunchy mix of fried noodles, nuts, and spices is served alongside sweets during Diwali house visits.
What is Chivda (or Farsan / Namkeen)?
The lunar phase during which the main night of Diwali takes place.
What is a New Moon (Amavasya)?
This animated Disney Junior show features a young royal detective solving mysteries during festive episodes including Diwali.
What is Mira, Royal Detective?