The Big Quiz - Festivals In India

Explanation
The Sankranti or Pongal festival is celebrated in January, which coincides with the end of the harvest season in many parts of India. During this festival, people express gratitude for the bountiful harvest and offer prayers to the gods for a prosperous year ahead. Therefore, the festival is primarily a harvest festival rather than a celebration of the end of autumn, the New Year, or the beginning of spring.

Explanation
Yugadi is the celebration of the beginning of the new year according to the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in the month of April. It is observed in various regions of India with different names such as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, and Vishu in Kerala. This festival marks the transition of seasons and is celebrated with traditional rituals, feasts, and cultural activities.

Explanation
Onam is an important festival celebrated mostly in Kerala, a state in India.

Explanation
Modaka is a sweet dish that is prepared on Ganesh Chaturthi. It is considered to be Lord Ganesha's favorite food and is offered to him during the festival. Modaka is a dumpling made of rice flour or wheat flour, filled with a sweet mixture of coconut, jaggery, and nuts. It is then steamed or fried to perfection. The unique shape and delicious taste of Modaka make it a popular choice for this auspicious occasion.

Explanation
Imam Hussain's death is mourned on Muharram. He was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the son of Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima. Imam Hussain was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where he fought against the oppressive rule of Yazid. His death is commemorated by Shia Muslims during the month of Muharram, particularly on the day of Ashura, as a symbol of resistance against injustice and tyranny.

Explanation
Lohri is a popular Punjabi festival celebrated in January. It marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. It is usually celebrated on the 13th of January and is associated with bonfires, singing, dancing, and feasting. The festival holds cultural and traditional significance in Punjab and is a time for people to come together and celebrate with joy and enthusiasm.

Explanation
Onam is a festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India, and boat races are a special feature of this festival. The boat races, known as Vallam Kali, are held on the backwaters of Kerala and attract a large number of participants and spectators. These races are a traditional sport and are considered an integral part of the Onam festivities.

Explanation
Krishna is considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu in Hindu mythology. According to the belief, Vishnu takes various forms or avatars to maintain cosmic order and restore righteousness on Earth. Krishna is one of the most popular and revered avatars of Vishnu, known for his divine qualities, teachings, and role in the epic Mahabharata. He is worshipped as a deity and is considered to be the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Therefore, the statement "Krishna is an incarnation of Vishnu" is true.

Explanation
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and is a way of thanking him for a bountiful harvest. The four days of Pongal are known as Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. Each day has its own significance and rituals, making Pongal a joyous and vibrant festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the people of Tamil Nadu.

Explanation
India observes 3 National Holidays. National Holidays are special days that are recognized and celebrated throughout the country. In India, these include Republic Day on January 26th, Independence Day on August 15th, and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd. These holidays commemorate significant events in Indian history and are observed with various ceremonies, parades, and cultural activities across the country.

Explanation
Ganesh Chaturthi lost state patronage and became a private family celebration again till its revival by Lokmanya Tilak. He was an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer who played a significant role in revitalizing the festival. Tilak recognized the potential of Ganesh Chaturthi as a platform for bringing people together and instilling a sense of unity and nationalism. He encouraged public celebrations, processions, and the installation of large Ganesha idols. Through his efforts, Ganesh Chaturthi regained popularity and became a prominent public festival that continues to be celebrated with enthusiasm in many parts of India today.

Explanation
The word Deepavali actually means "Row of lighted lamps". This is because during the festival of Diwali, people light rows of lamps called diyas to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The word "Deepavali" is derived from the Sanskrit words "deepa" meaning lamp and "avali" meaning row or series. Therefore, the correct answer is "Row of lighted lamps".