Sankranti Traditions
This colorful tradition involves the creation of intricate designs using colored powders or flower petals on the ground to welcome the festival of Sankranti.
What is rangoli?
During Sankranti celebrations, people enjoy a dish made with sesame seeds and jaggery. What is the name of this sweet treat commonly exchanged among friends and family?
What is tilgul?
Located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, this famous Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. What is the name of this revered temple?
What is the Tirupati Temple?
What is a traditional dish that is a flavorful concoction of rice, lentils, and jaggery or sugar, and also a festival?
What is Pongal?
This 2001 film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and is set during the British colonial period in India relating to a very popular sport. What is the name of this critically acclaimed Bollywood movie?
What is Lagaan?
Sankranti is often associated with the harvest season, and farmers express gratitude for the bountiful crops. What is the term for the bonfires lit in the fields during Sankranti to mark the harvest festival?
What is Bhogi Bonfire?
Originating from the Mughal era, this rich and aromatic dish features marinated meat, basmati rice, and a blend of spices. What is the name of this regal Indian dish?
What is Biryani?
Located on the banks of the Ganges River, this city is considered one of the holiest in Hinduism and is known for the Kumbh Mela, the largest gathering of people on Earth. What is the name of this spiritual city?
What is Varanasi?
During certain festivals in Kerala, this classical dance form, characterized by vibrant costumes and elaborate makeup, is performed to depict stories from Indian epics. What is the name of this traditional dance?
What is Kathakali?
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic film series became a global phenomenon for its grand scale and visual effects. What is the name of this two-part historical epic?
What is Baahubali?
People often dress in traditional attire during Sankranti celebrations in Maharashtra. In some regions, women wear a specific type of saree with bright colors and gold-thread work. What is the name of this traditional saree?
What is Paithani?
This aromatic spice, often referred to as the "queen of spices," is commonly used in Indian cuisine and is known for its warm, sweet flavor. What is the name of this spice?
What is cardamom?
Known as the "Venice of the East," this city in the Indian state of Rajasthan is famous for its beautiful lakes, palaces, and the Lake Palace situated in the middle of a lake. What is the name of this city?
What is Udaipur?
In some regions of India, festivals are celebrated with traditional puppet shows that narrate mythological stories. What is the name of this ancient form of puppetry?
What is Kathputli?
Known for his exceptional musical compositions, this Indian film composer has won multiple Academy Awards, including one for his work on the film "Slumdog Millionaire." What is the name of this renowned composer?
Who is A. R. Rahman?
One of the popular activities during Sankranti is the thrilling sport of kite flying. In some regions, a special term is used for cutting an opponent's kite string.
What is Firki?
This ancient grain, also known as "millet," is a staple in some regions of India. It's gluten-free, nutritious, and often used to make traditional flatbreads. What is the name of this lesser-known grain?
What is Ragi?
Carved out of solid rock in the 7th century, these cave temples in Maharashtra are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What is the name of these ancient caves?
What are Ellora Caves?
As part of a unique ritual during the Thaipusam festival, devotees in South India engage in the act of walking on a bed of burning coals. What is the significance of fire walking in this festival?
Symbolizes the purification of the body and soul.
This acclaimed filmmaker is often regarded as the pioneer of Indian parallel cinema and is known for movies like "Pather Panchali" and "Aparajito." What is the name of this renowned Indian director?
Who is Satyajit Ray?
Pongal marks the end of the harvest season, and sugarcane plays a significant role in the festivities. What is the term for the decorative tower made with sugarcane and other harvest elements?
What is Pongal Gopuram?
Popular in the state of West Bengal, this sweet dish consists of thin crepes made from fermented rice and urad dal batter, filled with a mixture of jaggery and coconut. What is the name of this Bengali dessert?
What is Patishapta?
This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is known for its towering gopurams adorned with vibrant sculptures. What is the name of this temple in Tamil Nadu?
What is the Meenakshi Amman Temple?
A traditional dance form performed during Bihu, the festival of Assam, involves skilled dancers stepping in and out between bamboo poles being moved in rhythmic patterns. What is the name of this bamboo dance?
What is Bihu Dance?
Directed by Dadasaheb Phalke in 1913, this silent film is considered the first full-length Indian feature film. What is the name of this pioneering silent masterpiece?
Who is Raja Harishchandra?