1.
Makar Sankranti Festival is dedicated to
Correct Answer
D. Surya (Sun God)
Explanation
Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated in India to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, as the festival signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. During this time, people offer prayers and perform rituals to express gratitude to the Sun God for providing warmth and energy for agricultural activities. The festival is also associated with the harvest season and is celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and feasts.
2.
Basant Panchami heralds the arrival of spring and the color popular with this festival is
Correct Answer
C. Yellow
Explanation
Basant Panchami is a festival celebrated in India to mark the arrival of spring. It is associated with the color yellow, which symbolizes the blooming of flowers and the vibrancy of nature during this season. People wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers, and decorate their homes with yellow decorations during this festival. Therefore, the correct answer is yellow.
3.
Third day of Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to
Correct Answer
A. Cow and bulls
Explanation
On the third day of Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu, the focus is on honoring and worshiping cows and bulls. This day is known as Mattu Pongal and is dedicated to these animals as they are considered sacred in Hindu culture. Cows are seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and bulls are associated with agricultural activities. During this day, cows and bulls are decorated with garlands, painted horns, and worshipped for their contribution to agriculture and dairy farming. This celebration also includes various traditional games and activities involving these animals.
4.
Shivratri is dedicated to Shiva and the favorite leaf offering on the day is of
Correct Answer
B. Bilva
Explanation
Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees offer various items to seek his blessings. Among the options given, the favorite leaf offering on Shivratri is the Bilva leaf. The Bilva leaf holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is believed to be a favorite of Lord Shiva. It is said that offering Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva on Shivratri can bring immense blessings and help in attaining spiritual growth.
5.
Dahi Handi festival is associated with
Correct Answer
D. Sri Krishna Jayanti
Explanation
The correct answer is Sri Krishna Jayanti because Dahi Handi festival is primarily celebrated in Maharashtra and is associated with the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the occasion of Sri Krishna Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. During this festival, a human pyramid is formed to reach and break a pot filled with curd, which is tied at a height. This tradition symbolizes the playful and mischievous nature of Lord Krishna, who was known for stealing and consuming butter.
6.
Holika Dahan during Holi is based on the legend of
Correct Answer
D. Holika, Hiranyakashipu and Prahlad
Explanation
Holika Dahan during Holi is based on the legend of Holika, Hiranyakashipu, and Prahlad. According to the legend, Hiranyakashipu was a demon king who was granted a boon that made him invincible. However, he became arrogant and demanded that everyone worship him instead of the gods. His own son, Prahlad, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father. Angered by this, Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister, Holika, who was immune to fire, to sit on a pyre with Prahlad on her lap. But due to Prahlad's devotion, Holika was burned to ashes while Prahlad remained unharmed. This event symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is commemorated by burning a Holika pyre during Holi.
7.
Ram Navami is observed in
Correct Answer
A. Chaitra month
Explanation
Ram Navami is observed in the Chaitra month. Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar and falls in the months of March-April according to the Gregorian calendar. Ram Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, who is considered to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is a significant event for devotees of Lord Rama and is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion.
8.
Navratri is not observed in one of the following months
Correct Answer
B. Margashirsh
Explanation
Navratri is a Hindu festival that is typically observed in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin. Chaitra Navratri falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually corresponds to March or April. Ashwin Navratri falls in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which typically corresponds to September or October. Magh is not a month in which Navratri is observed. Therefore, the correct answer is Margashirsh.
9.
Janmashtami is the festival dedicated to
Correct Answer
D. Sri Krishna
Explanation
Janmashtami is the festival dedicated to Sri Krishna. This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Sri Krishna is a highly revered and beloved deity in Hinduism, known for his divine qualities, teachings, and playful nature. Janmashtami is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion by devotees who engage in fasting, prayers, singing devotional songs, and reenacting scenes from Krishna's life, particularly his childhood. The festival is an occasion for devotees to express their love and devotion towards Sri Krishna and seek his blessings.
10.
Onam the most popular festival in Kerala is based on the legend of
Correct Answer
A. Vamana and Mahabali
Explanation
Onam, the most popular festival in Kerala, is based on the legend of Vamana and Mahabali. According to the legend, Mahabali was a generous and righteous demon king who ruled Kerala. However, his power and popularity threatened the gods, especially Lord Indra. To restore balance, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and approached Mahabali for a favor. Mahabali, known for his generosity, granted Vamana's wish, which was to be granted land equal to three steps. Vamana then grew in size and covered the entire universe in two steps. For the third step, Mahabali offered his own head, which Vamana gently placed his foot on. This act pleased Lord Vishnu, and he granted Mahabali a boon to visit his people every year during Onam. Hence, Onam is celebrated to welcome the return of the beloved king Mahabali.
11.
On the Diwali day, the most important puja is dedicated to which Goddess
Correct Answer
C. Lakshmi
Explanation
On the Diwali day, the most important puja is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. During Diwali, people worship Lakshmi to seek her blessings for financial success and prosperity. It is believed that Lakshmi visits homes that are clean and well-lit, so people clean their houses and light diyas (oil lamps) to welcome her. This puja is considered crucial as it is believed that Lakshmi's blessings during Diwali bring good fortune and wealth for the upcoming year.
12.
Mahalaya Shradh – the most important ritual to the dead – is observed before which Navratri?
Correct Answer
A. Ashwin Navratri
Explanation
Mahalaya Shradh, the most important ritual to the dead, is observed before Ashwin Navratri. This indicates that the correct answer is Ashwin Navratri.
13.
Diwali is not a popular festival in which of the following state in India?
Correct Answer
A. Kerala
Explanation
Diwali is not a popular festival in Kerala. This is because Kerala predominantly follows the Malayalam calendar, which differs from the Hindu calendar followed in most other states of India. Therefore, Diwali, which is a Hindu festival, is not widely celebrated in Kerala compared to other states like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan.
14.
Who made Ganesh Chaturthi festival part of the freedom movement in India?
Correct Answer
C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation
Bal Gangadhar Tilak made the Ganesh Chaturthi festival part of the freedom movement in India. He popularized the festival as a means to bring people together and create a sense of unity and nationalistic fervor. Tilak used the festival as a platform to spread the message of independence and mobilize the masses against British rule. He encouraged public celebrations, processions, and speeches during Ganesh Chaturthi, turning it into a political and social event that played a significant role in the freedom movement.
15.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is the biggest festival in
Correct Answer
B. Orissa
Explanation
The correct answer is Orissa because the Jagannath Rath Yatra is a major festival celebrated in the state of Orissa. It is an annual event where the deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession on chariots. The festival attracts millions of devotees from all over the country and even abroad. The chariot procession is considered a symbol of unity and devotion among the people of Orissa.
16.
Which of the following festival is not associated with Gujarat?
Correct Answer
C. Bihu
Explanation
Bihu is not associated with Gujarat. Bihu is a festival celebrated in the northeastern state of Assam, particularly by the Assamese people. It is a harvest festival that marks the beginning of the agricultural season. On the other hand, Navratras, Uttarayan, and Diwali are all festivals that are celebrated in Gujarat. Navratras is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, Uttarayan is the kite festival celebrated on Makar Sankranti, and Diwali is the festival of lights.
17.
Which of the following is incorrect?
Correct Answer
D. Sri Krishna, Arjuna, Holi
Explanation
The given options are a mix of Hindu festivals and their associated figures. All the options except for "Sri Krishna, Arjuna, Holi" consist of correct combinations. Sri Krishna and Arjuna are not associated with Holi, which is a festival primarily associated with Lord Krishna and Radha. Therefore, the correct answer is "Sri Krishna, Arjuna, Holi".
18.
Skanda Sashti Festival is dedicated to
Correct Answer
B. Kartikeya
Explanation
The Skanda Sashti Festival is dedicated to Kartikeya. Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, is a Hindu deity and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is considered the god of war and victory, and is worshipped for his bravery and wisdom. The festival is celebrated to honor Kartikeya's victory over the demon Surapadman and is observed with great fervor and devotion by his followers.
19.
Which of the following is in correct order?
Correct Answer
A. Boghi, Sankranti, Kanuma
Explanation
The correct order is Boghi, Sankranti, Kanuma. This is because Boghi is the first day of the four-day festival of Pongal celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India. Sankranti is the second day, which marks the beginning of the harvest season. Kanuma is the third day, which is dedicated to worshiping cattle. Therefore, the correct order is Boghi, Sankranti, Kanuma.
20.
Which of the following festival is observed mostly on the same day?
Correct Answer
B. Makar Sankranti
Explanation
Makar Sankranti is observed mostly on the same day as it is a solar festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). It is celebrated on January 14th or 15th every year, regardless of the lunar calendar. In contrast, Navratri, Diwali, and Sri Krishna Jayanti are all lunar festivals that are celebrated on different dates each year based on the lunar calendar.