1.
For how many days is Pongal celebrated?
Correct Answer
C. 4
Explanation
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most important festivals in the region and marks the beginning of the Tamil month Thai. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The four days of Pongal are known as Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Maatu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal, each with its own significance and rituals. Therefore, the correct answer is 4.
2.
How many National Holidays are observed in India?
Correct Answer
B. 3
Explanation
India observes three national holidays: Republic Day on January 26th, Independence Day on August 15th, and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd. These holidays are celebrated throughout the country and are of great significance in the Indian history and culture.
3.
Ganesh Chaturthi lost state patronage and became a private family celebration again till its revival by Indian freedom fighter and social reformer
Correct Answer
A. Lokmanya Tilak
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 rejuvenating Ganesh Chaturthi as a public festival. Tilak recognized the potential of this festival to bring people together and mobilize them for social and political causes. He encouraged the installation of large public Ganesh idols and organized processions, which helped in reviving the popularity and significance of Ganesh Chaturthi as a community celebration.
4.
While 1st January is New Year's Day according to the Gregorian Calendar, in the Hindu calendar the beginning of new year usually falls in the month of April. By what name is it celebrated?
Correct Answer
D. Yugadi
Explanation
Yugadi is the name by which the beginning of the new year is celebrated in the Hindu calendar. While 1st January is New Year's Day according to the Gregorian Calendar, the Hindu calendar follows a different system where the new year usually falls in the month of April. Yugadi marks the beginning of the new year and is celebrated with various rituals and festivities in different parts of India.
5.
Diwali is the shortened version of Deepavali. What does the word Deepavali actually mean?
Correct Answer
A. Row of lighted lamps
Explanation
The word "Deepavali" is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of two words: "Deepa," which means "light," and "Avali," which means "a row." So, "Deepavali" literally means "a row of lights" or "festival of lights." It is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with the lighting of lamps, candles, and the exchange of sweets and gifts to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is widely celebrated in India and by Indian communities around the world.
6.
Name the Indian state where Onam is mostly celebrated.
Correct Answer
B. Kerala
Explanation
Onam is mostly celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. This harvest festival is a significant cultural event for the people of Kerala and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. It is a time when people come together to participate in various festivities, including boat races, traditional dances, feasts, and flower decorations. The celebration of Onam showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Kerala.
7.
Ganesh Chaturthi is an important festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Which of the following sweet dishes is prepared on this day?
Correct Answer
C. Modaka
Explanation
Modaka is the correct answer because it is a sweet dish that is traditionally prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi. Modaka is a dumpling made of rice flour or wheat flour, filled with a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and other ingredients. It is considered to be Lord Ganesha's favorite sweet and is offered to him as a prasad (holy offering) during the festival. Kheer, Rasagolla, and Cake are not specifically associated with Ganesh Chaturthi.
8.
Whose death is mourned on Muharram?
Correct Answer
C. Imam Hussain
Explanation
Imam Hussain's death is mourned on Muharram. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a sacred month by Muslims. It is during this month that the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, is commemorated. Imam Hussain was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, and his death is seen as a significant event in Islamic history. The mourning rituals and processions held during Muharram are a way for Muslims to remember and honor Imam Hussain's sacrifice.
9.
'Lohri' celebrated in the month of _______.
Correct Answer
C. January
Explanation
Lohri is a popular festival celebrated in the month of January. It is primarily observed in the Punjab region of India and marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. People gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs, and offer prayers to seek blessings for a bountiful harvest. This festival holds cultural and religious significance, and is a time for joyous celebrations and community gatherings.
10.
The beginning of the year in January marks the celebration of the Sankranti or Pongal festival. What does this festival celebrate?
Correct Answer
B. It is a harvest festival
Explanation
The Sankranti or Pongal festival is celebrated at the beginning of the year in January and is known as a harvest festival. This means that it is a time to give thanks and celebrate the successful harvest of crops. Farmers and communities come together to express gratitude for the abundance of food and to pray for a prosperous year ahead. The festival is also a time for socializing, feasting, and participating in various cultural activities.
11.
In which of the following festivals are the boat races a special feature ?
Correct Answer
C. Onam
Explanation
Onam is a festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its boat races, which are a special feature of the festival. The boat races, also known as Vallam Kali, involve traditional longboats called "snake boats" or "chundan vallams" racing against each other in the backwaters. This cultural event attracts a large number of participants and spectators, making it a significant part of the Onam festivities.