Quiz on Diwali

1. What does the word ‘Diwali’ mean?
2. Which religious groups celebrate Diwali?
3. In which country is Diwali known as “Lam Kriyongh” ?
4. In which Hindu month is Diwali celebrated?
5. In which country is Diwali known as Tihar?
6. What event from Ramayana does Diwali symbolize?
7. Diwali commemorates the killing of which demon by Lord Krishna?
8.  What is normally considered a vice , but is an extremely popular tradition during Diwali? And why?
9. Diwali commemorates the spiritual enlightenment of which two famous saints?
10. For how many days Diwali is celebrated according to the lunar Hindu Calendar? - What are each of these days called?

ANSWERS

1. Diwali means rows of lighted lamps which is why it's often called the festival of lights.

2. Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism

3. Thailand

4. Karthika

5. Nepal

6.  Return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile

7. Narakasura

8. Playing cards. It is said that on playing cards, the goddess of wealth smile upon the player and ensures her goodwill. The memories of Diwali night can be joyful to the winners and the losers can't wait for the next Diwali to come around.The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husbandLord Shiva and she decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. This tradition of playing cards- flush and rummy with stakes on this particular day continues even to-day.

9. Vardhaman Mahavir and ~Swami Dayananda Saraswati

10.  Five. The first day of Diwali: Dhanteras.  The second day of Diwali: Choti Diwali. The third day of Diwali: Lakshmi Puja on Diwali.  The fourth day of Diwali: Padwa & Govardhan Puja. The fifth day of Diwali: Bhai Duj