Diwali Quiz 1 (Questions only)

1. The word "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit "Deepavali". What does "Deepavali" literally mean?

2. Diwali falls on the new moon (Amavasya) of which month in the Hindu calendar?

3. Diwali usually falls about how many days after Dussehra, the festival when effigies of Ravana are burned?

4. In the Ramayana, Diwali celebrates Rama's return home after his exile. How many years was he exiled for, and to which city did he return?

5. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped on the main night of Diwali. Which bird is her vahana (the animal she rides)?

6. The first day of the five-day festival is Dhanteras. What is traditionally bought on that day, and which god of medicine and Ayurveda is also honoured?

7. The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, marks the killing of the demon Narakasura. Which god is said to have defeated him?

8. On the day of Govardhan Puja, Krishna is remembered for lifting a mountain to shelter villagers from torrential rain. Which god had sent the storm?

9. The last day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Which god of death and his sister, a sacred river goddess, are linked to its origin?

10. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas at Diwali. Which Guru is remembered, from which fort was he released, and how many imprisoned princes did he insist on taking with him?

11. According to Sikh tradition, how did the Guru make sure all the princes could leave the fort with him?

12. For Jains, Diwali marks the day on which Mahavira attained nirvana. In which town in Bihar is this said to have happened?

13. In Nepal, Diwali is called Tihar, and different days honour different animals. Which animal is honoured on Kukur Tihar, garlanded and given treats?

14. In West Bengal, the main Diwali night coincides with the worship of which fierce goddess?

15. Indian stock exchanges hold a special, short trading session on Diwali evening, believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead. What is this session called?

16. Many Indian businesses traditionally begin new account ledgers at Diwali. What is the Hindi name for these traditional red-bound account books?

17. In Gujarat, the day after Diwali has a special significance in the calendar. What is it?

18. Gambling with cards or dice is a Diwali tradition. Which goddess is said to have played dice with her husband Shiva on this night, and declared that whoever gambles on Diwali will prosper?

19. Which Indian religious reformer, founder of the Arya Samaj, died on Diwali in 1883?

20. In December 2025, Deepavali was added to which UNESCO list, and in which historic Delhi building was the decision announced?