The Five Days of Diwali
On the 4th day (Annakut, New Year), people pray to this hill that Krishna lifted to shelter villagers from a flood caused by the vengeful Indra, King of Heaven.
What is Govardhan Hill?
Despite variations, Diwali fundamentally represents the victory of light, truth and knowledge over these 3 opposite characteristics.
What are darkness, lies and ignorance?
Originally, these were set off to scare away evil spirits, but now they really just attract no-so-evil kids.
What are fireworks?
This color used to be primary color of Rangoli, signifying peace, purity and tranquility.
What is a white?
Diwali is actually a contraction of this more formal name for the holiday meaning "row of lights."
What is Deepavali?
The 5th day (Bhai Duj - Day of love between siblings) is also known as Yamadwitheya, celebrating this brother visiting his sister for dinner.
Who is Yama?
For Jains, Diwali celebrates the achievement of this state by Lord Mahavira at the age of 42.
What is Nirvana?
In some areas, these animals who are believed to be incarnations of Lakshmi are adorned and worshipped during Diwali.
What are cows?
The traditional number of petals in this flower in Rangoli design varies amongst regions from 4 to 8 up to 24.
What is the lotus?
People of this number of different religions celebrate Diwali as an important festival?
What is 4? (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikkhism)
On the 3rd day (Day of Light), Lord Rama returns to this city where he is welcomed with a path of light after rescuing Sita from the demon Ravana.
What is Ayodhya?
Originally, 14 diyas were lit in a row to represent this time period.
What is the 14 years of Rama's exile?
In southern India, a ritual bath on the morning of Diwali is taken with this viscous substance often mixed with fragrant powders, such as sandalwood.
What is oil?
Two intersecting triangles in Rangoli design represent Saraswati, the deity of this.
What is learning?
He was the first U.S. President to celebrate Diwali in the White House.
Hint: Penn Masala played at this Diwali celebration.
Who is Barack Obama?
The first day of Diwali (Day of Fortune) during which people worship Goddess Laksmi and buy gold and silver jewelry to replace feelings of greed with generosity.
What is Dhanteras?
He brought the storms that forced Krishna and his villagers to seek refuge under Mount Govardhan, literally.
Who is Indra?
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?
These body 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.
What are feet or footprints?
This is the kind of fragrant oil traditionally burned in Diwali lamps.
What mustard oil?
The 2nd day of Diwali (Day of Knowledge) 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?
In Tamil Nadu, "Thalia Deepavali" is a special once in a lifetime celebration for this group of people, where they are pampered by all their relatives.
Who are newlyweds celebrating their first Diwali together?
The tradition of Rangoli can be traced back to this Indian state.
What is Maharashtra?
This is the one state in India where Diwali is not a major festival.
What is Kerala?