Indian Holidays Trivia Quiz

Answer: Independence Day

India gained its independence on 15 August 1947 after many years of British rule. Non-violence was a mainstay in the movement for Indian independence from the British. Indians all over the country observe this day with flag hoisting ceremonies, and the President of India usually addresses the nation with a speech.

Many Indians also carry out their business while wearing an Indian flag badge on their clothes.

Answer: October 2

Mahatma Gandhi was often called 'the Father of the Nation' and in homage to his memory and work, October 2 is a national holiday in India. Many schools in India conduct art competitions around the time of this holiday revolving around patriotic themes. It is interesting to note that all liquor shops around the country are closed on this day!

Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869. He was assassinated on 30 January 1948.

Answer: Holi

The dates of this festival and holiday differ from year to year, although it usually falls in the beginning of the year around February and March. It is determined by the Hindu calendar and is related to the full moon. It goes by different names in different states of India; some of these names include Basanto utsav, Phakuwa and Dola jātra.

People celebrate this festival by assembling in large groups with singing and dancing, and a very popular tradition is to throw colored powder on each other. Water balloons filled with colored water are something you need to watch out for while walking the streets during this festival. So much fun!

Answer: Eid al-Adha

This holiday comes after Eid ul-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha pays homage to Abraham's act of almost sacrificing his son Isaac after the instruction of God, although he was stopped from carrying it out. Many Muslim homes celebrate this day by serving huge, meat-filled feasts.

This festival's date also changes from year to year and is based on the Islamic calendar. This festival is also widely celebrated in Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Answer: Onam

Onam is a grand festival which is widely celebrated in the state of Kerala across all religions. This festival is marked with people wearing traditional white clothing and serving a massive vegetarian feast called 'Onam sadya'. The feast is usually eaten on a banana leaf rather than a plate. 'Pookkalam', floral decorations at the entrance of homes and inside them, are very popular during this festival.

Many other traditions like dances and boat races are carried out around the time of this beautiful festival in Kerala.

Answer: Ayudhapuja

This festival has another name, Vijayadashami. In Hinduism, one of the goddess called Durga defeated Mahishasura, a demon who believed he would never be defeated by a woman. This festival honors the day that Durga was victorious. This festival is celebrated very differently all across India.

Many people in the southern parts of India worship theirs gods and bless their tools that they use at work and home. The festival has special celebrations in the city of Mysuru with lights and shows. The picture shows a palace in Mysuru with lights during this festival.

This festival falls close to twenty days before another popular and grand festival of lights.

Answer: Children's Day

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14 November 1889 and became the first Prime Minister of India. This day celebrates the anniversary of his birth as he was very involved in children's issues and in education. He took the initiative in the establishment of several well-known institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. On Children's Day, most schools in the country organize events for the children and their families.

Answer: Diwali

This very popular festival in India is something people look forward to all year. All the shopping, the sales, the lights everywhere! One of the most common practice during this festival is the lighting of fireworks, and stores are stacked with fireworks and firecrackers. The entire sky is lit up and it is very beautiful to see.

Other countries such as Nepal, Fiji, Myanmar and Malaysia also give holidays for this festival. Many homes put up lit candles at the entrance of their homes. They say this festival signifies the victory of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil.

Answer: Good Friday

Good Friday is a Christian Holiday which is celebrated worldwide. The Indian government declares a holiday on this day. Many churches and homes celebrate this day with prayers, masses and meetings. Banks and government institutions do not work on this day.

The day honors the crucifixion of Jesus at calvary and it falls two days before Easter, which marks Jesus' resurrection. Other Christian holidays in India are Christmas and Easter.

Answer: Republic Day

This day marks the effective start of the Constitution of India. 26 January 1950 was the day it came into force. Many parades take place in the country during this holiday. The Delhi Republic Day parade is one of the more well known ones that take place in the country.

Many high ranking officials from other countries are invited to India to witness the celebrations in India. Some of them were US President Barack Obama, French President François Hollande, former UK Prime Minister John Major and Russian President Vladimir Putin.