Meaning
What does the festival of Diwali signify?
The festival signifies the victory of light (good) over darkness (evil). The festival of lights.
Day 1 of Diwali: People clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to help bring good _____.
fortune
Approximately how many people celebrate Diwali worldwide?
More than 800 million people celebrate this festival in various ways. During the festivities, Hindus outside India visit mandirs (their places of worship) to give offerings to deities, and to share food.
True or false: Businesses also start new accounting books, and farmers end the harvest season. The festival also signals the onset of winter.
True!
The first ever horror movie was made in what language/country?
French/France!
How many days long is Diwali?
Diwali is 5 days long!
Day 2 of Diwali: People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called rangoli on the floor using colored powders or sand. This is done to ____ off _____.
ward off evil
What is the most ubiquitous and popular Diwali tradition? (It is very similar to what Americans do to celebrate triumph)
Fireworks!
In how many countries is Diwali a national holiday?
11.5 - It is a national holiday in India, Trinidad & Tobago, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Guyana, Singapore, Suriname, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Fiji. And is an optional holiday in Pakistan.
What vegetable were jack-o'-lanterns made of before pumpkins?
Turnips!
What ancient language is the etymology of the word Diwali from?
Derived from the Sanskrit word dipavali, which means “row of lights,”
Day 3 of Diwali: On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by f____ and f_____ festivities.
feasts and fireworks
There are three other religions than Hinduism that celebrate on the day of Diwali. What are they?
Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists
Why is Diwali on a different day each year?
Diwali is celebrated on a different day each year because it follows the lunar calendar. The exact date of Diwali depends on the new moon (amāvasyā), which is the darkest night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
The world record for the largest number of lit jack-o'-lanterns in one place is held in New Hampshire. They had ______ pumpkins lit in 2013.
30,581!
In what century did Diwali originate?
Diwali is thought to have originated around the 2nd century BCE, with some historians linking it to ancient harvest festivals that celebrated the end of the monsoon season.
Day 4 of Diwali: This is the first day of the ___ ___, when friends and relatives visit with gifts and best wishes for the season.
(Lunar) New Year
A small, cup-shaped oil lamp that is typically made from clay and used in the Indian subcontinent is called a what?
A diya
Which country outside of India has the biggest Diwali celebration?
The UK! The English city of Leicester hosts the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India.
Which US state has the city with the title of the "Halloween Capital of the World?"
Anoka, Minnesota!
How is the day of diwali determined?
Diwali begins on the darkest day, the night of the new moon. Which is also why we light diyas and fireworks!
Day 5 of Diwali: _____ visit their married _____, who welcome them with love and a lavish meal.
Brothers, sisters
During Diwali, it is customary to give ___ and ____ to family, friends, and neighbors, symbolizing goodwill and fostering community spirit. This practice reflects the underlying theme of sharing happiness during the festival.
On Diwali people light diyas and lamps in the honor of the Hindu goddess of _____, Lakshmi to help find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity.
wealth, fortune, prosperity, beauty, fertility, and power
The term “Boo!” as a way to scare people dates back to the 18th century in _______. It was a common expression used to frighten others, and it's been a Halloween staple ever since.
Scotland!