Mythology
On the main day of Diwali, Hindus worship Lakshmi who is a goddess of this.
a) Knowledge c) Wealth
b) Courage d) New Beginnings
What is wealth?
Despite variations, Diwali fundamentally represents the victory of light, truth and knowledge over these 3 opposite characteristics.
What are darkness, lies and ignorance?
This used to be primary color of Rangoli, signifying peace, purity and tranquility.
a) Blue c) White
b) Pink d) Yellow
What is a white?
On the day of Diwali, this prince returned to his kingdom to inherit the throne that was rightly his after his 14 year exile.
Who is Rama?
Who is the demon that Lord Ram killed to save his wife Sita
a) Holika c) Ravana
b) Narakasur d) Indrajit
Who is Ravana?
In some areas, these animals who are believed to be incarnations of Lakshmi are adorned and worshipped during Diwali.
a) Cows c) Monkey
b) Mouse d) Snake
What are cows?
In Indonesia, Diwali is celebrated to mark this King's return to earth
Who is Bali?
The 5th day, Bhai Duj celebrates this brother visiting his sister for dinner.
a) Yama c) Bheema
b) Dushyant d) Arjun
Who is Yama?
Yama or Yamraj in the Indian mythology is the god of the dead.
For Jains, Diwali celebrates the achievement of this state by Lord Mahavira at the age of 42.
a) Moksha d) Nirvana
b) Sukha c) Krodha
What is Nirvana?
Diwali is celebration of these many days.
What is 5?
The five days of Diwali are:
DHANTERAS, Naraka Chaturdarshi/ CHOTI DIWALI, DIWALI, GOVARDHAN PUJA, BHAI DOOJ
Two intersecting triangles in Rangoli design represent Saraswati, the deity of this.
a) New Beginnings c) Learning
b) Dance d) Creation
What is learning?
On Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, traditionally women not just buy gold and silver jewelry, but these items as well.
a) Idols c) Kitchen Utensils
b) Sari d) House decorations
What are kitchen utensils?
He brought the storms that forced Krishna and his villagers to seek refuge under Mount Govardhan, literally.
a) Shiva c) Brahma
b) Indra d) Hanuman
Who is Indra?
Why do people wear new clothes on Diwali
a) To impress mates
b) To symbolize a fresh start to the new year
c) To welcome people into their homes
d) To win the annual competition
What does it mean to symbolize a fresh start to the new year?
These 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.
a) Hand prints c) Foot prints
b) Lotus prints d) Concentric Circles
What are feet or footprints?
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.)
Who is Narakasur?
The followers of this religion celebrate Diwali as the return of Guru Hargobind Ji from captivity in the city of Gwalior.
What is Sikhism?
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.
Who are Shiva and Parvati?
The tradition of Rangoli can be traced back to this Indian state.
a) Delhi c) Gujarat
b) Maharashtra d) West Bengal
What is Maharashtra?