Diwali Traditions
This is the colorful art made at the entrance of homes to welcome guests and bring good luck during Diwali.
What is rangoli?
Who is the main hero of the Ramayana, who returns to his kingdom on Diwali?
Who is Lord Rama?
This popular Diwali sweet, often shaped like small, golden balls, is made from flour, ghee, and sugar.
What is laddoo?
This small oil lamp, usually made of clay, is lit to symbolize light over darkness.
What is a diya?
In which country is Diwali also known as "Deepavali" and is celebrated with fireworks and sweets?
What is India?
During Diwali, people light these small clay lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
What are diyas?
Who was Rama’s loyal wife, who was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana?
Who is Sita?
A favorite in many Indian households, this sweet is made with milk and sugar and often garnished with pistachios and saffron.
What is barfi?
This colorful, decorative pattern is made on the ground to welcome guests and bring good luck.
What is rangoli?
In this Southeast Asian country, Diwali is celebrated as a public holiday, and the local Hindu population decorates their homes with lights and oil lamps. What is this country?
What is Malaysia?
To prepare for Diwali, families often engage in this ritual to clean and decorate their homes in honor of this goddess of wealth.
Who is Lakshmi?
Which powerful monkey god helped Rama in his quest to rescue Sita?
Who is Hanuman?
Known for its round shape and syrupy texture, this Diwali dessert is deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup.
What is gulab jamun?
In Hindu tradition, this flower is often used in garlands to decorate homes during Diwali for its vibrant color and fragrance.
What is a marigold?
In which country do people celebrate Diwali with the tradition of "Lakshmi Puja," seeking blessings for prosperity and wealth in their homes?
What is Nepal?
People often play card games during Diwali because it is considered lucky and is thought to attract this to the household.
What is wealth or prosperity?
What was the name of the demon king who kidnapped Sita and was defeated by Rama?
Who is Ravana?
This crunchy and savory snack, often enjoyed during Diwali, is made from gram flour and shaped into spirals or sticks.
What is chakli?
These are often set off to celebrate Diwali and are said to drive away evil spirits.
What are fireworks?
In the United States, large Diwali festivals are often held in cities with significant Indian populations, such as this city, which features a parade, cultural performances, and food stalls. What is this city?
What is San Francisco?
During Diwali, some families perform this complex ritual involving 16 steps, called a "puja," to honor deities and seek blessings.
What is Shodashopachara Puja?
How many heads did Ravana have, symbolizing his immense power and knowledge?
What is ten?
This intricate sweet, made with layers of flour, ghee, and sugar, is a regional specialty known for its flaky texture and often resembles a flower.
What is soan papdi?
This metal is considered auspicious during Diwali, and people often purchase items made from it on Dhanteras, the first day of the festival, to invite prosperity into their homes.
What is silver (or gold)?
In this African nation, Diwali is recognized as a national holiday, and celebrations include colorful parades and community gatherings, reflecting the country's rich Indian heritage. What is this country?
What is South Africa?