2024 Deepavali @ JYPS Trivia Quiz

Deepavali is also known as ___________.

• Festival of Colours

• Festival of Brightness

• Festival of Lights

• Festival of Love and Lights

Answer explanation

Answer: Festival of Lights 

The festival gets this its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolise the inner light that protects them from darkness. 

When does Deepavali occur?

• On a full moon night

• On a new moon night

• During the eclipse of the moon

• On a moonless night

Answer explanation

Answer: On a moonless night 

Deepavali falls in the hindu calendar month of Karthik. To enjoy this festival of lights, which occurs on an amavasya (moonless night), firecrackers are lit and lights are placed on the walls and entrances of the houses.

What language did the word Deepavali originate from? 

• Marathi

• Tamil

• Hindi

• Sanskrit

Answer explanation

Answer: Sanskrit 

The word Deepavali originates from the ancient Sanskrit language. 

Deepa means light or lamp and is a popular feminine name.

 Vali or avali means path. 

Deepavali means a row of lights or a path of lights.

Which victory does Deepavali celebrate?  

• Mind over Matter

• Chaos over Order

• Good over Evil

• Nature over Technology

Answer explanation

Answer: Good over Evil.  

Deepavali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, hence good over evil. 

Which of the following rituals is done on the morning of Deepavali? 

• A cold shower

• A hot bath

• An oil bath

• A perfumed bath

Answer explanation

Answer: An oil bath 

Deepavali is incomplete without the early morning oil bath where the eldest member of the family or the lady of the household puts three drops of sesame oil (with a gentle massage) on the heads of all family members before sunrise. 

 

The oil bath also helps boost blood circulation, removes dead cells from the skin's surface, makes skin smooth and soft to touch, cleanses the body thoroughly, and calms the mind.

On the night of Deepavali, Hindus celebrate by lighting lamps followed by fireworks.

What do these traditions represent? 

• Welcoming guests

• Warding off evil spirits

• Celebrating the new year

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Answer: Warding of evil spirits.  

Deepam or diyas (oil lamps) are symbols of purity, and lighting them denotes removing darkness and going into the light. 

Since Deepavali is celebrated on the moonless day, a time of darkness, lighting the lamp means getting rid of darkness.

Most people like to wear traditional clothes during Deepavali. 

Which of the outfits below are you likely to see when you go to a Deepavali open house? 

• Saree

• Kurta

• Lehenga

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Answer: All of the above 

Women usually wear sarees, a length of material (cotton, silk etc.) with beautiful designs wrapped around the body. 

Men wear a kurta, a loose collarless shirt, worn with trousers called pyjama.

Younger women and little girls usually wear a lehenga, a top and a full-length flair skirt also beautifully embroidered with designs. 

Which of these snacks are likely to be served when you visit a Deepavali open house? 

• Murukku

• Achu murukku

• Nei urundei (ghee balls)

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Answer: All of the above

 

All 3 of these snacks are common when you visit someone during Deepavali. These snacks originate from the southern part of India, and over the decades, have become popular in countries with a large presence of Indian and Sri Lankan diaspora like Singapore, Fiji and of course, Malaysia! 

 

Murukku - In Tamil, murukku means twisted. It is a savoury, crunchy snack. It's made from rice flour, lentil and other spices. 

 

Achu murukku - It is a deep-fried snack that looks like a rose. It's made from flour, coconut milk and eggs. 

 

Nei urundei (ghee balls) - Traditionally made from ghee, flour and sugar. It is a delicious sweet snack. 

What is the name of the decoration seen on the floor at the entrance of homes during Deepavali?

• Kolam

• Mandala

• Rice art

• Warli art

Answer explanation

Answer: Kolam

 

Kolam is a form of decorative art that was traditionally done with rice flour. However, today there are coloured variations of it made from coloured rice or synthetic colour powders. Modern day variations also include the use of flowers and legumes. 

The celebration of Deepavali is traditionally celebrated over how many days?

• 5 days

• 1 day

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Answer: All of the above 

The celebration of Deepavali is traditionally celebrated over a period of 5 days in North India, while in South India it is usually a 1 day celebration just like in Singapore.