Let's Celebrate
What does the Sanskrit word "Deepawali" mean?
The row of lights
A Hindu concept that means to perform selfless service to God and humanity without expecting anything in return.
Seva
Which deity form do we honor the most during Deepawali, as the bestower of wealth and prosperity?
Goddess Lakshmi
The warm, bright glow emitted from these are considered auspicious. They represent enlightenment, prosperity, knowledge and wisdom.
The Diya
A funnel cake-like dessert made by piping fermented batter into hot oil and then soaking it in warm sugar syrup. The batter is often flavored with saffron and cardamom
Jelebi
1)Dhanteras, 2)Naraka Chaturdasi (Choti Diwali), 3)Lakshmi Puja, 4) Govardana Puja (Bali Padyami), and 5)Bhai Dhooj
This is a spiritual practice that involves the use of the body, mind, and voice to achieve a desired goal.
Sadhana
Which deity do we honor from the Treta Yuga for destroying evil, and restoring harmony back to the Earth.
Lord Rama
This beautiful seat of Goddess Lakshmi represents the ability to retain pure in spirit through life's challenges, as it grows in murky waters it remains pristine and beautiful.
The Lotus
Fried dough balls that are soaked in a sweet, sticky sugar syrup with a delicate rose flavor.
Gulab Jamoon
Karthika Masa (the 8th month of the Lunar calendar)
This is a Sanskrit word that means "truth" or "essence". It is a virtue that we must always practice as it refers to being truthful in one's thoughts, speech, and actions.
Satya
Which deity do we honor during the Dwapara Yuga who defeated the Demon Narakasur?
Lord Krishna
A welcoming multi-colored floor decoration that symbolizes joy, prosperity and good fortune to those who enter a room, house, or sacred place.
Rangoli
A delightful sweet made from soft and spongy cottage cheese dumplings, and are soaked in a flavorful creamy flavored milk, boiled with cardomom and saffron essence.
Ras Malai
What is the Sanskrit name for the position of the moon, on which we celebrate Deepawali?
Amavasya
One of three Gunas, or qualities of being. A Sanskrit word that describes the highest nature of being in Hindu philosophy
Sattwa
Which asura, grandson of Prahlad, do we honor from the Treta Yuga. A great bhakti of Vishnu, occasionally his powerful position as a King made him arrogant and and led him astray from his true humble nature.
King Bali
This symbol with 4 corners can also be interpreted as the four Vedas, the four goals of life, the four seasons, the four directions, and the four yugas
The Swastika
An Indian sweet flatbread, popular in South India, stuffed with cooked lentils and jaggery
Puran Poli, Holige, Obbatu, or bobatalu
We celebrate the light that removes what overwhelming nature of one's mind when it is self-promoting and clouded by one's own greatness, might, and power. Many of the evils of this world can be overcome when we remove the delusions created by this aspect of the mind.
Ahankara, the EGO
This sanskrit term means self-study, or gain spiritual growth and awareness by reading the scriptures and texts with meaningful teachings about knowing the Self.
Svadhyaya
Govardhan Mountain
What is the symbolism of the Govardhan mountain lifted and held up by Sri Krishna to shield the cowherds and villagers from Indra's destructive rains.
Divine protection
A delicious dessert made with thick strained yogurt flavored with sugar, saffron and cardamom.
Shrikhand