The Five Days of Diwali
What is the name for the 4th day of Diwali? (Literally means "Mountain of Food.")
Annakoot
Diwali represents the victory of light, truth and knowledge over what three opposite characteristics?
Darkness, Lies and Ignorance
Originally, what was set off to scare away evil spirits, but now they attract kids?
Fireworks
What used to be the primary colour of Rangoli, signifying peace, purity and tranquillity?
White
What is the more formal name for the holiday meaning "row of lights."? (Diwali is actually a contraction of this term)
Deepavali
The 5th day, Bhai Duj, is also known as Yamadwitheya, celebrating which brother visiting his sister for dinner?
Yama
For Jains, Diwali celebrates which achievement of this state by Lord Mahavira at the age of 42?
Nirvana
In some areas, which animals are believed to be incarnations of Lakshmi and are adorned and worshipped during Diwali?
Cows
Which Rangoli's design varies amongst regions from 4 to 8 petals up to 24 petals?
Lotus Design
According to the Indian calendar, what is the month that Diwali starts in? (It is also the youngest Joshi in Maumee.)
Ashvin or Ashwin
On the 3rd day, the Lakshmi Puja is performed by bathing the idols in Panchamitra, made up of which five ingredients?
Sugar, milk, honey, yogurt, and ghee
Originally, 14 diyas were lit in a row to represent the time of exile of which famous prince?
14 years of Rama's exile
In southern India, a ritual bath on the morning of Diwali is taken with what? (Often mixed with fragrant powders, such as sandalwood.)
Oil
Two intersecting triangles in Rangoli design represent Saraswati, the deity of ______?
Wisdom, Knowledge, and the Arts
Who was the first U.S. President to celebrate Diwali in the White House?
Barak Obama
On Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, traditionally wives not just buy gold and silver jewelry, but what other useful items?
Kitchen Utensils
Who brought the storms that forced Krishna and his villagers to seek refuge under Mount Govardhan?
Lord Indra
Gambling, a very popular tradition in northern India, can be traced back to which two deities playing dice? (Famous sculptures of this can be seen at the Ellora caves.)
Shiva and Parvati
True or False? A rangoli is used to help keep away evil spirits?
True
What kind of fragrant oil is traditionally burned in Diwali lamps?
Mustard oil
The 2nd day of Diwali celebrates the victory of Krishna over which demon king and the retrieval of the precious stolen earrings of Aditi? (He also freed the 16,000 daughters held captive and married them all as well.)
Demon King Narakasur
The followers of which religion celebrate Diwali as the return of Guru Hargobind Ji from captivity in the city of Gwalior?
Sikhism
In Tamil Nadu, "Thalia Deepavali" is a special once-in-a-lifetime celebration for which group of people? (They are pampered by all their relatives.)
Newlyweds celebrating their first Diwali together
The tradition of Rangoli can be traced back to which Indian state?
Maharashtra
What is the name of the one state in India where Diwali is not a major festival?
Kerala