Hindu Festivals

Question 1

What is Holi?

Answer 1

Holi is a colourful festival, with dancing, singing, and throwing of powder paint and coloured water.

Question 2

What does Holi mark?

Answer 2

Holi marks the coming of Spring, usually in March

Question 3

What are 2 festivals in Hinduism?

Answer 3

Holi and Divali

Question 4

What do families do for Holi?

Answer 4

Some families hold religious ceremonies, but for many Holi is more a time for fun than religious observance

Question 4

What does Holi also celebrate and which legend?

Answer 4

Holi also celebrates Krishna, and the legend of Holika and Prahlada.

Question 5

What do people believe is the origin of Holi?

Answer 5

Some believe the origin of the festival lies with Krishna who was very mischievous as a young boy and threw coloured water over the gopis (milkmaids) This developed into the practical jokes and games of Holi.

Question 5

What does the story of Prahlada symbolize?

Answer 5

The story of Prahlada is seen to symbolize good overcoming evil and is why traditionally bonfires are lit at Holi.

Question 6

What is the story of Prahlada?

Answer 6

Prahlada was a prince. His father, the king wanted everyone in his kingdom to worship him. But Prahlada refused and worshipped Lord Vishnu instead. The king’s sister Holika, who was supposed to be immune to fire, tricked her nephew Prahlada into sitting on her lap in a bonfire in order to destroy him. But because she was using her powers for evil, the plan failed and Prahlada emerged from the fire unharmed, while Holika was devoured by the flames. In some parts of India effigies of Holika are burnt on the fire. Ashes from Holi bonfires are thought to bring good luck.

Question 7

What does Deepa mean?

Answer 7

Deepa meaning light

Question 8

What does Avali mean?

Answer 8

Avali, meaning a row.

Question 9

What word is the word Divali a variation from?

Answer 9

The word “Divali” is a variation of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”

Question 10

What is Divali?

Answer 10

Divali is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and across the world on Amaavasya, that is, the fifteenth night of the dark fortnight of the month of Kaartik (October/November).

Question 11

What are others names for Divali?

Answer 11

This festival has been referred to as Divali, Diwali, Dipavali and Deepavali among other variations. Generally, however, it is considered the Festival of Lights.

Question 12

What is lighted to mark the beginning of Divali ?

Answer 12

Traditionally, it is marked by the lighting of devas

Question 13

What are devas made from?

Answer 13

Devas which are made from clay and filled with oil or ghee

Question 14

What do devotees do on Divali?

Answer 14

Devotees clean their homes and surroundings wear new clothing and give charity to the needy.

Question 15

What does the Goddess of Lakshmi have to do with Divali?

Answer 15

The Goddess Lakshmi is one of the central figures of Hindu mythology associated with the festival of Divali

Question 16

Where did Lakshmi emerge from?

Answer 16

Legend states that Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk after the churning by the devas (gods) and the daanavas (demons).

Question 17

What is Lakshmi the embodiment of?

Answer 17

Lakshmi is considered to be the embodiment of loveliness, grace and prosperity.

Question 18

What is another event associating Laskshmi with Divali?

Answer 18

Another event associating Lakshmi with Divali is highlighted in the The Puranas.

Question 19

According to the texts in the Purana, whose marriage does Divali represent?

Answer 19

Divali represents the day Lord Vishnu (the Preserver) married Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity). The marriage of Lord Vishnu to Goddess Lakshmi denotes the connection between preservation and wealth.