Around Diwali: Many Traditions

Use this answer key after players complete the quiz or when reviewing a printed worksheet.

1. Bandi Chhor Divas is a celebration in which religious tradition?
Correct answer: A. Sikhism
Explanation: Bandi Chhor Divas is a Sikh observance with its own history and meaning.
2. Which Sikh Guru is remembered on Bandi Chhor Divas?
Correct answer: A. Guru Hargobind Sahib
Explanation: Bandi Chhor Divas remembers the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru.
3. Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates liberation from which fort?
Correct answer: C. Gwalior Fort
Explanation: The observance recalls Guru Hargobind Sahib securing his own release and that of other prisoners from Gwalior Fort.
4. How many imprisoned rulers are traditionally said to have been freed with Guru Hargobind Sahib?
Correct answer: C. 52
Explanation: Sikh tradition remembers Guru Hargobind Sahib securing freedom for 52 imprisoned rulers as well as himself.
5. Mahavira Nirvana Diwas has special significance in which religion?
Correct answer: B. Jainism
Explanation: For Jains, Diwali commemorates Mahavira’s nirvana, or final liberation.
6. What number is Mahavira in the sequence of Jain Tirthankaras of the present era?
Correct answer: A. 24th
Explanation: Mahavira is honoured as the 24th Tirthankara in the present Jain time cycle.
7. What does Mahavira Nirvana Diwas commemorate?
Correct answer: C. Mahavira’s final liberation
Explanation: The observance marks Mahavira’s nirvana or final liberation, not his birth or his earlier attainment of omniscience.
8. Which place is associated with Mahavira’s nirvana?
Correct answer: A. Pawapuri
Explanation: Pawapuri, also spelled Pavapuri, in Bihar is associated with Mahavira’s final liberation.
9. Which goddess is honoured during Kali Puja?
Correct answer: A. Kali
Explanation: Kali Puja is devoted to the Hindu goddess Kali.
10. Kali Puja is especially associated with which region?
Correct answer: D. Bengal
Explanation: Kali Puja is especially prominent in Bengal and is also observed elsewhere, including parts of eastern India.
11. The autumn Kali Puja associated with Diwali takes place around which lunar phase?
Correct answer: A. New moon
Explanation: This Kali Puja is observed on the new-moon night in the autumn festival season; local timing follows the calendar.
12. What is a respectful way to learn about these celebrations?
Correct answer: C. Ask about each tradition’s own meaning
Explanation: Shared seasonal celebrations can still have distinct religious histories and meanings. Families may also follow different customs.

1. Bandi Chhor Divas is a celebration in which religious tradition?

2. Which Sikh Guru is remembered on Bandi Chhor Divas?

3. Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates liberation from which fort?

4. How many imprisoned rulers are traditionally said to have been freed with Guru Hargobind Sahib?

5. Mahavira Nirvana Diwas has special significance in which religion?

6. What number is Mahavira in the sequence of Jain Tirthankaras of the present era?

7. What does Mahavira Nirvana Diwas commemorate?

8. Which place is associated with Mahavira’s nirvana?

9. Which goddess is honoured during Kali Puja?

10. Kali Puja is especially associated with which region?

11. The autumn Kali Puja associated with Diwali takes place around which lunar phase?

12. What is a respectful way to learn about these celebrations?