DIWALI: HOW MUCH DO WE KNOW?

What type of oil is traditionally used in oil lamps lit during Diwali?

• Mustard Oil

• Vegetable Oil

• Olive Oil

• Corn Oil

Answer explanation

Mustard oil is traditionally used in oil lamps lit during Diwali. It is believed to have auspicious and purifying properties, making it a popular choice for lighting lamps during Diwali. 

What is Diwali also known as?

• Festival of Colour

• Festival of Lakshmi Ji

• Festival of Lights

• Festival of Fireworks

Answer explanation

Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights because it is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During Diwali, people light lamps and candles to symbolise the triumph of light and knowledge.

Diwali always occurs on: 

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• Crescent Moon

• Quarter Moon

Answer explanation

Diwali always occurs on a new moon night. The absence of the moon on this night enhances the significance of lighting lamps and fireworks to illuminate the darkness

What is Diwali known as in Sri Lanka?

• Hari Diwali

• Durga Puja

• Kali Puja

• Durgashtmi

Answer explanation

The festival of Diwali is also called Kali Puja in Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is worshipped during Diwali in Sri Lanka. This festival involves the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and prayers to seek blessings from the goddess.

Which Indian gods/goddesses are worshipped on Diwali? (select all correct answers)

• Lord Krishna

• Lakshmi Ji

• Lord Shiva

• Lord Ganesha

Answer explanation

Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the symbol of wisdom. Goddess Lakshmi Ji is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Together, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped to seek their blessings for wealth, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles in life.

Lord Krishna is worshipped on the day after Diwali, which is a seperate occasion.

Which Hindu month is Diwali observed on?

• Ashvin

• Kartik

• Chaitra

• Sravana

Answer explanation

Hindu month of Kartik. It typically falls in October or November. This refers to the calendar of the moon, and is the reason Diwali always falls on the New Moon night.

Which festival falls on the next day of Diwali?

• Govardhan Puja

• Dusshera

• Bhai Dooj

• None of the above

Answer explanation

Govardhan Puja falls on the next day of Diwali. It is a Hindu festival that is celebrated to commemorate Lord Krishna's victory over Lord Indra.

The foundation of which famous Indian Monument was laid on Diwali day?

• The Government Building

• The Gateway of India

• Taj Mahal

• The Golden Temple

Answer explanation

The Golden Temple is a popular Indian monument that holds religious significance and the foundation of the temple was laid on Diwali day. it is fitting that the foundation of the Golden Temple, was laid on this day, because it is considered an auspicious day for beginning new ventures or constructions.

For how many days is Diwali celebrated? 

• 9 days

• 5 days

• 3 days

• 7 days

What does Diwali mean in Sanskrit?

• Triumph of Good

• Another name for Lakshmi Ji

• Row of Lights

• Festival of Lights

Answer explanation

While the actual celebration is a "festival of light", it is actually derived from this particular Sanskrit word meaning "row of lights".