How do Hindus Celebrate the Diwali Festival

Vocabulary:
Select the answer that is closest in meaning to the underlined word.

Multiple Choice

1. They thoroughly clean their houses.

• partly

• mostly

• completely

• generally

Multiple Choice

2. There are no formal religious services.

• not like any other

• official

• taking a long time

• taking place every day

Multiple Choice

3. In various parts of India, different gods are honored.

• showed praise and respect

• asked a favor of

• given special names

• talked about by everyone

Multiple Choice

4. The burning lamp is a message of peace and harmony.

• acting according to reason

• having a great love for other people

• being quiet and restful

• being in agreement with others

Multiple Choice

They pray at the family shrine.

• a kind of ceremony

• a place for worship

• an area for entertainment

• an important meal

Multiple Choice

6. They make sure their houses are spotless.

• almost empty

• very bright

• like new

• completely clean

Multiple Choice

7. It is a time when light triumphs over darkness.

• tries to control

• wins a victory

• has a strong feeling against

• makes better

Multiple Choice

8. They visit business colleagues.

• people who work together

• people who play on the same sports team

• people who are wealthy

• family members

Multiple Choice

9. Diwali has different significance for people in various parts of India.

• history and customs

• type of ceremony

• importance and meaning

• time and place

Multiple Choice

10. There are fireworks displays that light up the sky.

• shows that people see

• songs that people sing

• noises that people hear

• ceremonies that people take part in

Words that go together

A.  Find words in the reading that go together with the words below to make phrases.

Part B

Complete the sentences with the phrases from Part A.

Part C

Remembering Details: Reread the passage and answer the questions. Write complete sentences.

Open Ended

1. How do Hindus start every day of Diwali?

Open Ended

2. What does rangoli mean?

Open Ended

3. During Diwali, what decorates the windows and doors of houses?

Open Ended

4. What do family members do after they pray at the shrine?

Open Ended

5. In the temple, how do the priests dress the figures of the gods?

Open Ended

6. What colors do the Hindus believe make the evil spirits go away?

Open Ended

7. During Diwali, what does a new lamp symbolize?

Open Ended

8. Lakshmi is the goddess of what?

Making Inferences: The answers to these questions can be inferred, or guessed, from the reading. Circle the letter of the best answer.

Multiple Choice

1. The reading implies that the Diwali festival ____________.

• is celebrated in the same way by all Hindus.

• is a time for family and friends to get together

• makes many people wealthy

• is a good time for praying alone and having quiet thought

Multiple Choice

2. It can be inferred from the reading that the festival is celebrated with ____________.

• a belief in the importance of the past

• a sense of sorrow for one’s mistakes

• a spirit of hope for the future

• a joy in showing off one’s wealth

Multiple Choice

3. From the reading, it can be concluded that Hindus ____________.

• work hard to prepare for the festival

• don’t believe in praying for good luck

• celebrate Diwali mostly in their homes

• dress very plainly during the festival

Multiple Choice

4. The reading implies that Diwali is a time for ____________.

• working hard at your job

• going to bed early and getting lots of rest

• staying home and praying

• doing good things for others