Diwali, or Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated with lights, sweets, and fireworks. It marks the victory of light over darkness.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated holidays in India and among Hindu communities worldwide. This vibrant festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Families gather to decorate their homes with oil lamps, create intricate rangoli designs, and exchange gifts and sweets.
The festival spans five days, each with its unique significance and rituals. Diwali holds great cultural, spiritual, and social importance, fostering a sense of unity and joy among people. The celebration culminates in a grand display of fireworks, making the night sky come alive with dazzling lights.
What Is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the globe. This festival marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and illuminating homes with lamps and fireworks. Let’s dive into some fascinating Diwali trivia and understand what Diwali truly is.
Cultural Significance
Diwali holds immense cultural importance in Indian traditions. It symbolizes the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. People celebrate his return by lighting lamps and bursting crackers.
Here are some key elements of Diwali’s cultural significance:
- Lighting Diyas: People light oil lamps or diyas to dispel darkness and welcome positivity.
- Rangoli: Beautiful patterns are drawn on the floor using colored powders, rice, or flowers.
- Feasting: A variety of sweets and savory dishes are prepared and shared with family and friends.
- Puja: Special prayers and rituals are performed to honor the gods and goddesses.
Diwali also signifies the start of the new financial year for many businesses in India. Families clean their homes thoroughly to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring prosperity and wealth.
Schools and colleges often organize cultural programs, showcasing traditional dance and music. The essence of Diwali lies in spreading joy and happiness among loved ones.
Festivals Around The World
Diwali isn’t just celebrated in India; it’s a global festival. People of Indian origin across the world observe Diwali with the same zeal and fervor.
Here are some countries where Diwali is celebrated:
| Country | Celebrations |
|---|---|
| India | Grand celebrations with lighting diyas, fireworks, and feasting. |
| United States | Community events, temple visits, and Diwali parties. |
| United Kingdom | Street parades, fireworks, and cultural performances. |
| Singapore | Lighting of Little India, festive markets, and cultural shows. |
| Australia | Fireworks, community gatherings, and cultural festivals. |
In Fiji, Diwali is a public holiday celebrated with great enthusiasm. In South Africa, the Indian community decorates their homes and streets with lights and colorful rangoli.
Diwali also finds a special place in countries like Canada, Malaysia, and Mauritius. People participate in cultural programs, temple rituals, and community feasts.
Diwali, with its universal message of light and goodness, brings people together, transcending borders and cultures.
101 Diwali Trivia Questions And Answers
Here’s a comprehensive list of 101 Diwali Trivia Questions and Answers, categorized into five different sections: General Knowledge, History and Origins, Mythology, Celebrations and Rituals, and Fun Facts. This compilation will help people learn more about Diwali in an engaging way!
General Knowledge
Q: What is Diwali also known as?
A: The Festival of Lights.
Q: How long does the Diwali festival usually last?
A: Five days.
Q: What month does Diwali typically fall in?
A: October or November.
Q: Which Hindu deity is mainly worshiped during Diwali?
A: Goddess Lakshmi.
Q: Diwali is celebrated by followers of which religions?
A: Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
Q: What is the main significance of Diwali?
A: The victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Q: What is a common tradition involving lights during Diwali?
A: Lighting diyas (oil lamps) and candles.
Q: What does the word “Diwali” mean in Sanskrit?
A: A row of lights.
Q: What type of food is commonly prepared and shared during Diwali?
A: Sweets (Mithai).
Q: What traditional activity is done to welcome guests during Diwali?
A: Making colorful rangolis.
More General Knowledge
Q: What is the significance of bursting firecrackers during Diwali?
A: To celebrate joy and to ward off evil spirits.
Q: On which day of Diwali is the Hindu New Year celebrated in some regions?
A: The fourth day.
Q: Which festival day of Diwali is dedicated to brothers and sisters?
A: Bhai Dooj.
Q: What do people generally clean before Diwali begins?
A: Their homes and surroundings.
Q: What does lighting up homes with diyas symbolize during Diwali?
A: Inviting prosperity and wealth.
Q: What type of flower is commonly used for Diwali decorations?
A: Marigold.
Q: What is the primary color associated with Diwali decorations?
A: Bright colors like red, yellow, and orange.
Q: How do businesses and shops often celebrate Diwali?
A: By offering discounts and decorating with lights.
Q: What is the significance of the third day of Diwali, known as Lakshmi Puja?
A: It’s the main day of Diwali when Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped.
Q: Which Indian state is known for celebrating Diwali with grand cultural performances?
A: Rajasthan.
History and Origins of Diwali Trivia Questions
Q: Which ancient epic is associated with the celebration of Diwali?
A: The Ramayana.
Q: Why is Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya celebrated during Diwali?
A: It marks the end of his 14-year exile and his victory over Ravana.
Q: Which Indian emperor is believed to have converted to Jainism on Diwali?
A: Emperor Ashoka.
Q: Diwali marks the Nirvana of which Jain Tirthankara?
A: Lord Mahavira.
Q: In Sikhism, Diwali is associated with the release of which Guru?
A: Guru Hargobind Ji.
Q: What is the historic event called when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from prison on Diwali?
A: Bandi Chhor Divas.
Q: What ancient Indian text describes the Diwali festival?
A: The Skanda Purana.
Q: Which Persian invader is said to have witnessed the Diwali celebration in the 14th century?
A: Timur.
Q: What was the original purpose of celebrating Diwali in ancient India?
A: To celebrate the end of the agricultural harvest.
Q: Diwali is believed to have started as a harvest festival in which Indian region?
A: Northern India.
More History and Origins
Q: What major financial event do business communities start during Diwali?
A: The new financial year.
Q: Which Mughal emperor was known to participate in Diwali celebrations?
A: Akbar.
Q: How did the Maratha kings contribute to Diwali celebrations in India?
A: They popularized lighting forts and palaces with lamps.
Q: In which century did Diwali become widely recognized as a major festival in India?
A: During the 7th century.
Q: Diwali was primarily a festival for which class in ancient India before it became popular with everyone?
A: The merchant and agricultural classes.
Q: Which British colonial practice was influenced by the Diwali festival?
A: Lighting oil lamps during festive occasions.
Q: Which Indian Prime Minister famously lit a diya at the Wagah Border during Diwali?
A: Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Q: What role did the Indian Independence Movement play in Diwali celebrations?
A: It united people of different religions under the celebration.
Q: What traditional Indian tool, used to make rangoli, has its origins linked to Diwali?
A: The ‘chowk’ or ‘kolam’ tool.
Q: When did Diwali celebrations become prominent in Indian cinema?
A: During the early 20th century.
Mythology Diwali Trivia Questions
Q: Who is Lord Rama’s wife, whose return is celebrated during Diwali?
A: Sita.
Q: Which demon was defeated by Lord Rama, marking the reason for Diwali celebrations?
A: Ravana.
Q: In Hindu mythology, who is considered the goddess of wealth worshiped during Diwali?
A: Goddess Lakshmi.
Q: According to the Puranas, Diwali also celebrates the victory of which Lord over the demon Narakasura?
A: Lord Krishna.
Q: In Hindu mythology, what is the story behind the day of Govardhan Puja, which is celebrated during Diwali?
A: Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains.
Q: Which deity is known as the “Remover of Obstacles” and is worshiped at the start of Diwali?
A: Lord Ganesha.
Q: The story of which King’s generosity is remembered during Diwali, particularly in South India?
A: King Bali.
Q: Which Hindu month does Diwali fall in according to the lunar calendar?
A: Kartika.
Q: What mythical event is believed to occur when the doors of Vaikuntha (Lord Vishnu’s abode) are open during Diwali?
A: Souls can attain salvation.
Q: In which ancient scripture is the story of the Diwali festival mentioned?
A: The Padma Purana.
More Mythology Diwali Trivia Questions
Q: Who are the sons of Lord Rama, whose tales are sometimes recounted during Diwali?
A: Luv and Kush.
Q: Who is the demon King associated with the South Indian celebration of Diwali?
A: Narakasura.
Q: Diwali is also related to the tale of which deity saving Goddess Lakshmi from King Bali?
A: Lord Vishnu.
Q: What does the lighting of diyas signify in the tale of Diwali involving Lord Rama?
A: The path guiding Lord Rama back to Ayodhya.
Q: Which of Ravana’s brothers joined Lord Rama in his quest and is also celebrated during Diwali?
A: Vibhishana.
Q: What is another name for the third day of Diwali, which honors Goddess Lakshmi?
A: Lakshmi Pujan.
Q: Who was the brother of Sita who helped Lord Rama in his quest, often remembered during Diwali?
A: Lakshmana.
Q: Which festival day of Diwali honors the victory of good over evil through lights?
A: Deepavali.
Q: In the mythology related to Diwali, which festival day celebrates the bond between husband and wife?
A: Karva Chauth (pre-Diwali celebration).
Q: Which female goddess, the destroyer of evil forces, is sometimes worshiped during Diwali?
A: Goddess Kali.
Celebrations and Rituals
Q: What is the traditional floor decoration called that is made during Diwali?
A: Rangoli.
Q: What type of small clay lamps are commonly used during Diwali?
A: Diyas.
Q: What is a popular gift item exchanged among friends and family during Diwali?
A: Sweets and dry fruits.
Q: Which day of Diwali is considered the most auspicious for starting new ventures?
A: Dhanteras.
Q: On which day do people prepare special offerings for Lord Krishna during Diwali?
A: Govardhan Puja.
Q: What is a common prayer ritual performed during Diwali to honor ancestors?
A: Lighting a diya in their memory.
Q: Which Indian state celebrates Diwali with traditional boat races?
A: Kerala.
Q: What type of crackers are usually burst at night during Diwali?
A: Firecrackers.
Q: What is the popular savory snack prepared during Diwali called?
A: Chakli or Murukku.
Q: Which type of oil is commonly used in diyas during Diwali?
A: Mustard oil or ghee.
More Celebrations and Rituals
Q: What traditional Indian attire is often worn during Diwali celebrations?
A: Sarees and Kurtas.
Q: Which city in India is known for its grand Diwali lighting and decorations?
A: Jaipur.
Q: In which country outside India is Diwali a public holiday?
A: Mauritius.
Q: What do children often do during Diwali to celebrate?
A: Participate in games and burst sparklers.
Q: What is the importance of the shopping day called “Dhanteras” in the Diwali festival?
A: It is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
Q: Which type of sweet is traditionally associated with Diwali?
A: Laddoo.
Q: What is the significance of Bhai Dooj, celebrated after Diwali?
A: It honors the bond between brothers and sisters.
Q: What is a common practice regarding money and valuables during Diwali?
A: Cleaning and worshipping them as a sign of prosperity.
Q: In North India, what is the traditional form of decoration outside homes during Diwali?
A: Toran (decorative hanging).
Q: What is the act of exchanging gifts during Diwali known as in India?
A: Shagun.
Q: What is the symbolic meaning behind the fireworks on Diwali night?
A: To ward off evil spirits and celebrate happiness.
Fun Facts Diwali Trivia Questions
Q: Diwali is the second biggest shopping season in which country after Christmas?
A: India.
Q: In the UK, which city has the largest Diwali celebrations outside India?
A: Leicester.
Q: What is the world’s largest religious festival celebrated by lighting oil lamps?
A: Diwali.
Q: Which popular board game is played during Diwali to bring good luck?
A: Snakes and Ladders.
Q: Diwali is also celebrated by which Caribbean countries with large Indian communities?
A: Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname.
Q: How many diyas are traditionally lit in the Golden Temple during Diwali?
A: Thousands.
Q: Diwali is often marked by colorful displays in what type of sky entertainment?
A: Fireworks.
Q: What is the most popular traditional game played during Diwali?
A: Playing cards.
Q: Which famous monument is often illuminated during Diwali in India?
A: The Gateway of India.
Q: Diwali is also celebrated in which Southeast Asian country as a public holiday?
A: Malaysia.
More Fun Facts Diwali Trivia Questions
Q: How many days are the festivities leading up to Diwali in some regions?
A: Thirteen days.
Q: Which popular Indian TV show often has special episodes during Diwali?
A: Indian soap operas and reality shows.
Q: What is the unique tradition of breaking earthen pots during Diwali known as in Maharashtra?
A: Breaking of ‘matki’.
Q: What is a common giveaway during Diwali in workplaces?
A: Gift hampers or bonuses.
Q: Diwali in India contributes to what percentage of annual sales for the fireworks industry?
A: Nearly 80%.
Q: Which part of India is known for celebrating Diwali with a massive procession of elephants?
A: Southern India, especially Tamil Nadu.
Q: Which online activity spikes significantly during Diwali in India?
A: Online shopping.
Q: What traditional form of dance is performed in Gujarat during Diwali?
A: Garba and Dandiya.
Q: Which planet’s position is often consulted before starting Diwali rituals?
A: The planet Venus.
Q: What eco-friendly practice has become popular during Diwali in recent years?
A: Using biodegradable and eco-friendly decorations.
I hope these questions help make Diwali more fun and educational! Enjoy the festivities and the trivia games!
Diwali Traditions
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. People love sharing Diwali trivia questions to make the celebration even more fun. One of the most fascinating aspects of Diwali is its rich traditions. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of Diwali traditions and learn more about the rituals and customs, and the delicious festive foods.
Rituals And Customs
Diwali is celebrated in various ways across India and the world. Each region has its own unique rituals and customs that make the festival special. Here are some common traditions:
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes: People clean their homes thoroughly to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
- Lighting Diyas: Small oil lamps called diyas are lit and placed around the house to signify the victory of light over darkness.
- Rangoli Designs: Colorful patterns made from rice, flour, and flowers adorn the entrances of homes.
- Fireworks: Fireworks are set off to celebrate and ward off evil spirits.
- Exchanging Gifts: Friends and family exchange gifts and sweets as a token of love and goodwill.
Many people also perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night. They pray for wealth and well-being. This ritual involves chanting mantras and offering sweets and flowers to the goddess. The following table shows some common items used in Lakshmi Puja:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Offerings to the goddess |
| Incense Sticks | Purifying the space |
| Oil Lamps (Diyas) | Symbolizing light and knowledge |
| Sweets | Prasad for the goddess |
Festive Foods
Diwali is incomplete without its festive foods. The festival is known for a variety of mouth-watering dishes that are prepared and shared with loved ones. Here are some popular Diwali treats:
- Ladoos: These sweet balls are made from flour, sugar, and ghee. They come in various types like besan ladoo and motichoor ladoo.
- Barfis: These milk-based sweets are flavored with cardamom, saffron, and other spices. Kaju barfi and coconut barfi are favorites.
- Chaklis: These are crispy, spiral-shaped snacks made from rice flour and spices. They are perfect for munching.
- Samosas: These are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat. They are a hit at every Diwali party.
- Gulab Jamun: These are soft, round sweets soaked in sugar syrup. They melt in your mouth with every bite.
People also prepare savory snacks like namakpare and chaklis. They serve these alongside sweets to balance the flavors. The table below lists some common Diwali sweets and snacks:
| Sweet | Snack |
|---|---|
| Ladoos | Chaklis |
| Barfis | Namakpare |
| Gulab Jamun | Samosas |
| Jalebis | Mathris |
These foods not only taste delicious but also bring families together. Preparing and sharing these treats is a cherished tradition during Diwali.
FAQs About Diwali Trivia Questions
What Is Diwali And Why Is It Celebrated?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a Hindu festival. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness. People light lamps, burst firecrackers, and exchange gifts.
When Is Diwali Celebrated Each Year?
Diwali is celebrated in October or November. The exact date varies based on the lunar calendar. It usually lasts for five days.
What Are Common Diwali Traditions?
Common Diwali traditions include lighting oil lamps, decorating homes, and preparing sweets. People also perform religious rituals and visit friends and family.
Why Do People Light Lamps During Diwali?
People light lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. It signifies the triumph of good over evil. Lamps also welcome the goddess Lakshmi.
Conclusion
Uncovering Diwali trivia can add fun to your celebrations. It enriches your knowledge and sparks intriguing conversations. Share these questions with family and friends. Enhance your Diwali experience with insightful tidbits. Enjoy the festival of lights with a blend of tradition and trivia.
Happy Diwali!
