Festivals

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  Ganesh Chaturthi lost state patronage and became a private family celebration again till its revival by Indian freedom fighter and social reformer

• Lokmanya Tilak
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• B.R. Ambedkar

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  For how many days is Pongal celebrated?

• 3 days
• 5 days
• 4 days
• 1 week

Answer explanation

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most important festivals in the region and marks the beginning of the Tamil month Thai. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The four days of Pongal are known as Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Maatu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal, each with its own significance and rituals. Therefore, the correct answer is 4.

While 1st January is New Year's Day according to the Gregorian Calendar, in the Hindu calendar the beginning of new year usually falls in the month of April. By what name is it celebrated?

• Diwali
• Makar Sankranti
• Gudi Padwa
• Holi

Diwali is the shortened version of Deepavali. What does the word Deepavali actually mean?

• Festival of colors
• Celebration of harvest
• Row of lights
• Day of fasting

Answer explanation

The word "Deepavali" is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of two words: "Deepa," which means "light," and "Avali," which means "a row." So, "Deepavali" literally means "a row of lights" or "festival of lights." It is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with the lighting of lamps, candles, and the exchange of sweets and gifts to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is widely celebrated in India and by Indian communities around the world.

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  Ganesh Chaturthi is an important festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Which of the following sweet dishes is prepared on this day?

• Kheer
• Modak
• Barfi
• Ladoo

The beginning of the year in January marks the celebration of the Sankranti or Pongal festival. What does this festival celebrate?

• The festival celebrates the arrival of spring flowers.
• The festival honors the moon goddess.
• The festival marks the beginning of the rainy season.
• The festival celebrates the harvest and the sun god.

Answer explanation

The Sankranti or Pongal festival is celebrated at the beginning of the year in January and is known as a harvest festival. This means that it is a time to give thanks and celebrate the successful harvest of crops. Farmers and communities come together to express gratitude for the abundance of food and to pray for a prosperous year ahead. The festival is also a time for socializing, feasting, and participating in various cultural activities.

In which of the following festivals are the boat races a special feature ?

• Onam
• Holi
• Diwali
• Pongal

Answer explanation

Onam is a festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its boat races, which are a special feature of the festival. The boat races, also known as Vallam Kali, involve traditional longboats called "snake boats" or "chundan vallams" racing against each other in the backwaters. This cultural event attracts a large number of participants and spectators, making it a significant part of the Onam festivities.

Which festival of the Sikh community marks the birth of the first Sikh Guru?

• Gurpurab
• Holi
• Eid
• Diwali

Which of the following is celebrated as the victory of a divine goddess over the demon king Mahishasura?

• Durga Puja
• Maha Shivaratri
• Diwali
• Navratri

________________________ is known as the harvest festival of Kerala celebrated by Malayalis across the southern part of India.

• Pongal
• Baisakhi
• Makar Sankranti
• Onam