Diwali 101
The arrangement of this is the literal meaning of Diwali.
Lights
This is the number of days Diwali is celebrated for
5
The first day of Diwali, when it's traditional to clean homes and buy gold or new kitchen items.
Dhanteras
Diwali is celebrated to mark the defeat of the demon Narakasura by people of this region.
Southern India
fried doughnut soaked in sugar syrup.
Jamun
Home are decorated with beautiful and colorful designs of these in the front yard
Rangoli
The name Diwali comes from the word Deepavali which is word from this language
Sanskrit
The second day, also called "Choti Diwali" (Small Diwali), which celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over a demon
Naraka Chaturdashi
The story of Rama's return to this great kingdom after 14 years of banishment is the origin of Diwali
What is Ayodhya?
It is a regional classic dessert from the state of West Bengal. These are delicate cottage cheese dumplings, soaked in sugar syrup
What is ROSOGULLA OR RASGULLA?
He was the first U.S. President to celebrate Diwali in the White House
Who is Barack Obama
At least 3 other countries around the world Deepavali is celebrated as a national Holiday
What are: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad, Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia. Singapore, Fiji?
The third and most important day, when families perform the main puja (worship) to this Goddess of Wealth
Goddess Lakshmi/Lakshmi Puja
Hindus in West Bengal celebrate Diwali to glorify this Goddess
Kali
In addition to sweets, people often make or share savory snacks, like these fried pastries filled with spiced vegetables.
What are samosas?
This UK city holds the largest Diwali celebration outside of India
What is Leicester
According to astrology these two planets signify the spiritual signifiance of Deepavali
Jupiter & Venus
The fourth day, which celebrates the start of the new year in Gujarat and is also known as Govardhan Puja
Annakut/ Govardhan Puja
This practice otherwise considered as a vice is followed during Diwali to bring good luck.
Gambling
This South Indian sweet made from gram flour and ghee literally melts in your mouth.
What is Mysore Pak?
Day 1 of Deepavali falls on this day of this Hindu month
What is 13th day of Kartik (Month)?
A solar year — the time it takes Earth to orbit the sun — lasts around 365 days, while a lunar year, or 12 full cycles of the Moon, is roughly 354 days. This is why diwlai is on a different day every year.
Two religions other than Hinduisim celebrate Diwali with their own significance
Jainism and Sikhism
The fifth and final day, a celebration honoring the special bond between brothers and sisters.
Bhai Dooj
These are the symbolisms of circles and geometric shapes in rangolis
What are: cycles of life and balance and order?
This flaky, semicircular snack is stuffed with sweet filling.
What is Gujiya (gughara)?