Quiz on Karthigai Deepam

1. How long is the Karthigai Bramhotsavam festival at Thiruvannamalai? – 16 Days actually. But 10 days are festive days
2. Who are the Panchamurthi’s who are given prominence during Karthigai Deepam Festival? - Lord Ganapathi, Lord Murugan, Lord Sandeswarar, Lord Arunachaleswarar and Goddess Parvathi
3. How different is the Karthigai festival amongst Shaivites and Vaishnavites? – For Shaivites it falls on the Full moon day of the Month of Karthigai. For Vaishnavites, it falls on the day that has the Kruthigai star. For Shaivites lighting of the Karthigai Mahadeepam is significant. It symbolizes Lord Shiva who appeared as a flame. For Vaishnavites lighting of Sokkappanai (a Bonfire lit in Vishnu temples) is significant. It symbolizes the Third step that Lord Vishnu placed on King Mahabali – pressing him down to underworld.
4. What are the popular Savouries made during Karthigai deepam? Pal payasam, Nei appam, Pori Urundai, Milagu Adai, Ulundu Vadai, Adhirasam, Vella Seedai, Kadalai Urundai
5. How many types of Villaku can you name? – (1) Agal Vilakku, (2) Kuthu Vilakku, (3) Paavai Vilakku (AKA Lakshmi Vilakku), (4) Gaja Vilakku , (5) Kubera Vilakku, (6) Sara Vilakku, (7) Chakra Vilakku, (8) Suzhal Vilakku, (9) Kumba Vilakku, (10) Thorana Vilakku, (11) Nanda Vilakku (AKA Nunda Vilakku), (12) Ma Vilakku, (13) Kannadi Vilakku (14) Kamakshi Vilakku (15) Nila Vilakku (AKA Kerala Vilakku) (16) Kili Vilakku (15) Anna Vilakku (16) Thundamani Vilakku