How Much Do You Know About Holi Festival? Trivia Quiz

Holika Dahan is based on the legend of Prahlad. According to Hindu mythology, Prahlad was a young prince who was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. His father, Hiranyakashipu, was a demon king who wanted to be worshipped as a god. When Prahlad refused to worship his father and continued to worship Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu became furious and decided to kill his son. He asked his sister, Holika, who had a boon to be immune to fire, to sit on a pyre with Prahlad. However, due to Prahlad's unwavering devotion, Holika was burnt to ashes while Prahlad remained unharmed. This event is celebrated as Holika Dahan, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Bhang ki Thandai is a popular drink associated with Holi. Bhang is a traditional Indian drink made from cannabis, and Thandai is a cold milk-based beverage flavored with various spices and nuts. During the festival of Holi, Bhang ki Thandai is often consumed to enhance the festive spirit and add an element of fun.

In Hindu mythology, the story of Demon Holika is associated with the festival of Holi. Holika was the sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu and had a boon that made her immune to fire. Hiranyakashipu wanted to kill his son Prahlad because he was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Holika tricked Prahlad into sitting on her lap and entered a burning pyre, expecting to kill Prahlad while she remained unharmed. However, due to his unwavering devotion, Prahlad survived while Holika perished. Therefore, the correct answer is that Holika sat inside the burning pyre with Prahlad.

Sri Krishna played Holi using the natural color prepared from Tesu flowers. Tesu flowers are commonly used to make a natural and vibrant orange color for Holi celebrations. This traditional practice is followed in many parts of India, where people use natural ingredients like flowers, turmeric, and other plant-based materials to make colorful and safe Holi colors. Using natural colors adds to the joy and spirit of the festival while also being environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

The correct answer is "Yes it can be easily prepared at home." This answer suggests that it is possible to prepare Holi colors at home without much difficulty. It implies that the process of making Holi colors can be done by anyone without requiring expert skills or knowledge.

Playing Holi with natural colors is a good practice because chemical colors can be harmful to the skin and cause allergies or other skin reactions. Natural colors are made from organic substances like flowers, herbs, and food ingredients, which are safe and non-toxic. They do not pose any health risks and are environmentally friendly as well. Using shining colors made with glass powder can be dangerous as it can cause eye injuries. Using Pitchkaris or water guns with agricultural specifications ensures that the water used is clean and safe for playing Holi.

In Lathmar Holi, women of Barsana beat up men of Nandgaon. This is a unique tradition where women playfully hit men with sticks while the men try to protect themselves with shields. It is believed that Lord Krishna, who hailed from Nandgaon, used to visit his beloved Radha in Barsana and playfully tease her and her friends. In response, the women of Barsana now playfully beat up the men of Nandgaon during this festival, symbolizing Radha's playful retaliation against Krishna. This tradition has become a major attraction for tourists and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Lathmar Holi is held in Barsana.

Rang Pashi is associated with Holi. Rang Pashi refers to the tradition of throwing and smearing colored powders and water on each other during the festival of Holi. It is a joyful and vibrant activity that is synonymous with the celebration of Holi in India.

Doljatra is held during Holi in Orissa. This is because Doljatra, also known as Dola Purnima, is a major festival celebrated in the state of Orissa. It marks the beginning of the Holi festival and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. On this day, people spray colored water and throw colored powders at each other, symbolizing the playful and joyful nature of Lord Krishna. Orissa has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its vibrant festivals, making it the correct answer for this question.

The story of Shiva burning down Kamadev to ashes is associated with Holi. According to the legend, Kamadev, the god of love, tried to disrupt Shiva's meditation by shooting an arrow of desire at him. However, Shiva was enraged and opened his third eye, reducing Kamadev to ashes. This event is celebrated during Holi, as it symbolizes the triumph of spiritual knowledge over worldly desires and the beginning of spring.

Hurdang Holi in Mathura is dedicated to Balram. Balram, also known as Balarama, is an important deity in Hindu mythology and is considered to be the elder brother of Lord Krishna. Hurdang Holi is a unique celebration that takes place in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, during the festival of Holi. It involves a mock battle between the men of Nandgaon, Krishna's village, and Barsana, Radha's village. Balram is worshipped and revered during this festival due to his association with Lord Krishna and his significant role in Hindu mythology.

Kaman Pandigai is related to Holi in Tamil Nadu. Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India and other countries. In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Kaman Pandigai and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. During this festival, people gather to play with colors, dance, sing, and enjoy various cultural activities. It is a time for people to come together, forget differences, and celebrate the spirit of unity and joy.

Manjal Kuli is a traditional ritual observed in Kerala during the festival of Holi. It involves the procession of people carrying pots filled with turmeric water and throwing it on each other, symbolizing the celebration of colors. This ritual is unique to Kerala and is not observed in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, or Pondicherry. Therefore, the correct answer is Kerala.

Bhai Dooj is a festival celebrated to strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters. It falls on the second day after the festival of Holi. Madhya Pradesh is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions, and Bhai Dooj is widely celebrated in this state. Hence, Madhya Pradesh is the correct answer for this question.

Laddoo Holi is held at Barsana because Barsana is known for its unique celebration of Holi called "Lathmar Holi". In this tradition, women playfully beat men with sticks, symbolizing the mythical story of Lord Krishna being teased by Radha and her friends. Laddoos are a popular sweet during Holi, and the name "Laddoo Holi" suggests that this particular celebration in Barsana involves the exchange and consumption of laddoos. Therefore, Barsana is the correct answer for the location of Laddoo Holi.

Budhwa Mangal soon after Holi is dedicated to Hanuman. This is because Budhwa Mangal is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, celebrated mainly in North India. It is believed to be the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, who is considered a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty. Devotees worship Hanuman on this day by offering prayers, fasting, and visiting Hanuman temples. Therefore, it is fitting that Budhwa Mangal is dedicated to Hanuman.

Holashtak is considered a bad period starting before Holi in North India. During this time, people believe that it is inauspicious to start new ventures or perform important tasks. It is believed that any new beginning during this period may bring negative outcomes or obstacles. Therefore, people tend to avoid initiating anything significant or making important decisions during Holashtak.

The legend associated with Holi is the story of Demon Dhundi killing children and Shiva cursing her. This legend is often narrated during the festival of Holi to explain the significance of bonfires and the victory of good over evil. According to the legend, Demon Dhundi used to terrorize children, and to protect them, Lord Shiva cursed her and she was eventually killed. This story symbolizes the triumph of righteousness and the eradication of evil, which is celebrated during Holi.

Charoli associated with Holi is observed in Uttarakhand. Charoli is a traditional sweet made from dried and powdered fruits, mainly almonds and pistachios. It is commonly used during the festival of Holi in Uttarakhand to make special dishes and sweets. The use of charoli adds a unique flavor and texture to the festive delicacies, making it an integral part of the Holi celebrations in Uttarakhand.