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Quizzes > Society & Culture > Culture & Traditions

Festival Test: Prove You Know India's Festivals!

Dive into this cultural festival quiz and test your festival knowledge!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration with Indian festival lantern rangoli drums on dark blue background beckoning cultural trivia quiz.

This Festivals of India quiz helps you see how well you know India's festivals, from the lights of Diwali to the colors of Holi. Play now to have fun, learn a few new facts, and spot any gaps before your next trivia night. Curious beyond the holidays? Explore India's cultures after you finish.

Which festival is known as the Festival of Lights?
Diwali
Holi
Onam
Ganesh Chaturthi
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is celebrated as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During Diwali, homes and public spaces are illuminated with clay lamps, candles, and electric lights. This festival is one of the most important and widely celebrated in India and among Indian communities worldwide. .
Which festival involves throwing colored powder and water?
Navratri
Pongal
Diwali
Holi
Holi is the Hindu spring festival known for its colorful celebrations, where participants throw colored powders (gulal) and water at each other. It commemorates the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the triumph of good over evil. The vibrant atmosphere and communal spirit make it one of the most joyous festivals in India. .
Which festival marks the harvest season in Punjab?
Baisakhi
Pongal
Lohri
Makar Sankranti
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is celebrated on April 13 or 14 to mark the harvest of Rabi crops in Punjab and the Sikh New Year. The festival includes special prayers at gurdwaras, traditional dances like Bhangra, and community feasts (langar). It holds both religious and cultural significance in the region. .
During which festival do people decorate with Mehendi (henna) on their hands?
Diwali
Karva Chauth
Pongal
Raksha Bandhan
During Karva Chauth, married Hindu women apply mehendi on their hands as part of the pre-sunrise rituals and in preparation for the day-long fast. The intricate henna designs symbolize love and devotion for their husbands. This North Indian festival is observed for marital bliss and longevity of the spouse. .
Which festival involves nine nights of worshiping Goddess Durga?
Onam
Ganesh Chaturthi
Dussehra
Navratri
Navratri, meaning 'nine nights,' involves worshiping nine forms of Goddess Durga with fasting, prayer, and cultural performances like Garba and Dandiya. It culminates in Dussehra (Vijayadashami), celebrating the victory of good over evil. Navratri is observed across India with regional variations. .
On which festival is the goddess Lakshmi worshiped?
Baisakhi
Diwali
Holi
Eid al-Fitr
During Diwali, special prayers known as Lakshmi Puja are performed to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, into homes and businesses. It is one of the five days of Diwali celebrations and is thought to bring good fortune for the coming year. .
Which festival is primarily celebrated by the Sikh community?
Gurpurab
Diwali
Pongal
Navratri
Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti when celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak, is a major Sikh festival featuring processions, prayer services, hymn singing, and community meals (langar). It commemorates the lives and teachings of the Sikh Gurus. .
Which festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna?
Holi
Ram Navami
Janmashtami
Ganesh Chaturthi
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, and includes midnight prayers, singing of devotional songs, and reenactments of Krishna's life. Devotees also prepare and share special sweets like butter-based treats in honor of Krishna's love for dairy. .
In which state is the boat race a major festival event during Onam?
Tamil Nadu
Kerala
Karnataka
Gujarat
Onam is the state festival of Kerala, marked by the famous Vallam Kali (snake boat races) held on the backwaters. These colorful boat races attract thousands of spectators and feature teams rowing long, ornate boats. .
Which festival involves a ritual of flying kites to celebrate the sun god?
Pongal
Raksha Bandhan
Makar Sankranti
Baisakhi
Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transit into Capricorn (Makara) and is celebrated with kite flying across many states in India, symbolizing the warmth and light of the sun. The festival also features sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery. .
What dish is traditionally prepared during Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu?
Sweet Pongal
Litti Chokha
Biryani
Modak
Sweet Pongal (Chakkara Pongal) is made from newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery, cooked together until creamy. It is offered to the sun god Surya during the Tamil harvest festival of Pongal as a symbol of abundance. .
Which festival commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana?
Holi
Diwali
Navratri
Dussehra
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana. Huge effigies of Ravana are burned to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. It follows the nine-day Navratri festival. .
During which festival is the Gudi flag hoisted in Maharashtra?
Baisakhi
Holi
Ganesh Chaturthi
Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa marks the Marathi New Year and the onset of spring. A bright silk cloth tied to a bamboo pole, adorned with garlands, a pot, and neem leaves, is hoisted outside homes as a gudi to symbolize victory and prosperity. .
Which festival's name translates to "festival of lights" in Tamil?
Thaipusam
Pongal
Diwali
Karthigai Deepam
Karthigai Deepam, celebrated in Tamil Nadu, involves lighting rows of oil lamps in homes and temples to honor Lord Shiva and the six celestial lifestyles. Its name literally means 'festival of lights'. It is one of the oldest festivals in the region. .
Which Mughal festival is based on the lunar calendar to mark the end of Ramadan?
Diwali
Eid al-Fitr
Holi
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It includes communal prayers, feasting, and giving of charity (Zakat al-Fitr). It follows the Islamic lunar calendar. .
In West Bengal, which festival is famous for the immersion of clay idols in rivers?
Ganesh Chaturthi
Onam
Durga Puja
Dussehra
Durga Puja in West Bengal involves elaborate clay idols of Goddess Durga and her family, which are worshiped for five days and then immersed (Visarjan) in rivers or water bodies. This marks the farewell of the goddess. .
Which festival is celebrated as the Sikh New Year and harvest festival in Punjab?
Baisakhi
Lohri
Diwali
Raksha Bandhan
Baisakhi marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest of Rabi crops in Punjab. It includes special prayers, community fairs, folk dances like Bhangra, and the reaffirmation of the Khalsa Panth. It falls on April 13 or 14. .
During which festival do participants run barefoot over hot coals to honor the fire goddess?
Chhath Puja
Pongal
Holi
Thimithi
Thimithi, celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu, involves devotees walking over hot coals to honor Draupadi Amman, the goddess of fire, and to fulfill vows. It usually takes place after the festival of Diwali. .
Which festival features Govardhan Hill worship as the central ritual?
Gita Jayanti
Annakut
Radhashtami
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut, is celebrated one day after Diwali and involves the worship of Govardhan Hill to honor Krishna's lifting of the hill to protect villagers. Devotees prepare large food offerings symbolizing the mountain. .
Which tribal festival in Northeast India involves the Ho community?
Mage Parab
Bihu
Losar
Wangala
Mage Parab is an agricultural festival of the Ho tribe in Jharkhand and Odisha, celebrated with rituals to worship Singbonga, the Sun God. It includes animal sacrifices and communal feasting. .
The Kumbh Mela rotates among four locations every 12 years; which is NOT one of these?
Varanasi
Ujjain
Haridwar
Prayagraj
The four official Kumbh Mela sites are Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Varanasi is not one of the designated locations for this mass pilgrimage. .
Which festival in Tamil Nadu involves offering prayers to the rising sun and river goddess on the 18th day of the Tamil month Aadi?
Thaipusam
Pongal
Karthigai Deepam
Aadi Perukku
Aadi Perukku is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi to honor water's fertility and the life-sustaining power of rivers. Devotees offer floral tributes and prayers to river goddesses, seeking prosperity and good harvests. .
Which festival celebrated by the Jains marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira?
Paryushana
Mahavir Jayanti
Kartik Purnima
Diwali
Jains celebrate Diwali as the anniversary of Lord Mahavira's attainment of nirvana in 527 BCE. It involves lighting lamps, visiting temples, and reading scriptures like the Uttaradhyayana Sutra. .
Kurukshetra's Brahma Parv, a festival of Krishna's Bhagavad Gita recitation, occurs during which lunar month?
Ashwin
Bhadrapada
Margashirsha
Kartik
The Brahma Parv festival in Kurukshetra features daily recitations of the Bhagavad Gita and spiritual discourses. It is traditionally held during the lunar month of Kartik (October - November), considered spiritually auspicious. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Major Festivals -

    Distinguish iconic Indian celebrations like Diwali and Holi, boosting your performance in this festivals of India quiz and festival knowledge test.

  2. Recall Historical Origins -

    Summarize the historical and mythological roots of popular Indian festivals, enhancing your understanding and making Indian festival trivia more meaningful.

  3. Analyze Rituals and Traditions -

    Examine key rituals and customs associated with each festival, applying this insight during the cultural festival quiz to deepen your appreciation.

  4. Compare Regional Variations -

    Differentiate how regional practices and interpretations shape each celebration, helping you navigate diverse festival traditions across India.

  5. Evaluate Cultural Significance -

    Assess the social and religious importance of major festivals in Indian society, reflecting on their role in uniting communities.

  6. Strengthen Trivia Skills -

    Improve your knowledge recall and trivia prowess by engaging with varied quiz questions, ensuring you're ready for any festival test challenge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Historical Origins and Mythological Significance -

    Many Indian festivals trace back to texts like the Mahabharata and Puranas: for instance, Diwali marks Lord Rama's return in the Ramayana while Holi celebrates the triumph of Prahlad's devotion over Holika. Use the mnemonic "RPC" (Ramayana, Prahlad, Context) to lock in origins for your festival test. Refer to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts for authoritative mythological references.

  2. Understanding Lunar vs. Solar Calendars -

    India's festival dates follow either lunar (Amavasya for Diwali) or solar (solar transition for Makar Sankranti) systems, causing annual shifts in the Gregorian calendar. Remember "LuSo" (Lunar - Solar) to distinguish movable and fixed festivals in your festivals of India quiz. The Centre for Study of Indian Calendars at Delhi University offers detailed calendar alignments.

  3. Regional Variations and Local Customs -

    Cultural expressions like Onam's boat races in Kerala or Bihu's dance in Assam highlight regional diversity and enrich Indian festival trivia. Group festivals by region using "NBW" (North, South, West/East) as a quick classification trick. State tourism boards (e.g., Kerala Tourism) provide comprehensive documentation on these localized celebrations.

  4. Symbolism, Rituals, and Color Significance -

    Key rituals - sprinkling gulal on Holi or lighting diyas during Diwali - carry deep symbolism: red for love, yellow for happiness, and oil lamps for dispelling darkness. A color wheel guide can help you remember associations for a cultural festival quiz. Academic journals on anthropology, such as those by the Indian Museum of Human Ecology, discuss these symbolic traditions.

  5. Modern Adaptations and Eco-Friendly Practices -

    Contemporary trends include eco-friendly Diwali (ban on firecrackers) and virtual gatherings in Indian festival trivia, reflecting sustainability and social distancing influences. Jot down the formula "E = E³" (Eco, E-digital, Ethical) to recall these modern twists on traditional celebrations for your festival knowledge test. Reports from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change document green festival initiatives.

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