Diwali Special Quiz: ‘Roshni-e-Zeest’, ‘Dipapratipadutsava’, and more in UPSC Static Quiz on History and Culture (Week 128)

Therefore, c is the correct answer.

(For more, refer —How Diwali became a festival of food and memories, history and culture, The Indian Express.)

QUESTION 2

In which 7th-century Sanskrit play is Diwali referred to as Dīpapratipadutsava (Festival of Lamps)?

(a) Kavyamimamsa

(b) Urubhanga

(c) Svapnavasavadattam

(d) Nagananda

Explanation

— Diwali begins at the end of the cropping season and is often associated with wealth and happiness. According to mythology, the festival is mentioned as Deepapratipadutsava in the seventh century Sanskrit play Nagananda, where newlywed couples were given gifts and lamps in remembrance of Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi’s marriage.

Therefore, d is the correct answer.

(For more, refer —History, Importance and Significance of Diwali festival in India, The Indian Express.)

QUESTION 3

Consider the following statements:

1. In Jainism, Diwali marks the ascension of Lord Mahavira to the Siddha Loka, the realm of liberated souls, after attaining nirvana, and is celebrated as a festival of spiritual significance.

2. In Sikhism, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the event when Guru Hargobind Ji secured the release of 52 imprisoned kings from Emperor Jahangir’s fort upon his own release.

Which of the above given statements is/are true?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

— Diwali is the Prakrit way of saying Deepavali, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘the festival of lights’. This festival has been increasingly dominated by a single Hindi-belt narrative: that it commemorates Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his forest-exile. But Diwali is also about Krishna and Yama and Lakshmi and Bali. At the same time, it is a Jain festival marking the ascent of Mahavira to the heaven of Tirthankaras. And it is a Sikh celebration in memory of how Guru Hargobind enabled the release of 52 kings when he was finally set free from Jehangir’s prison. People have found many reasons to celebrate this festival, suggesting it predates all narratives.

Therefore, c is the correct answer.

(For more, refer — Devdutt Pattanaik on how Rama’s return to Ayodhya is one of the many stories around Diwali, The Indian Express.)

QUESTION 4

Which of the following festivals is/are recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage?

1. Novruz

2. Chatt Puja

3. Durga Puja

4. Diwali

Select the correct code:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Explanation

— UNESCO recognizes Novruz and Durga Puja as intangible cultural heritage.

Therefore, d is the correct answer.

(For more, refer — ich.unesco.org)

QUESTION 5

Which new world records were set at this year’s Deepotsav in Ayodhya?

1. largest Rangoli (Floor Art) made by hand

2. most number of people performing ‘aarti’ simultaneously. 

3. largest display of oil lamps

Select the correct code:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

— Two new world records were set at this year’s Deepotsav in Ayodhya: 26.17 lakh diyas lit at the same place as 2,128 people performed ‘aarti’ together for the grand celebrations in the temple town, the Uttar Pradesh government said.

— Representatives from the Guinness World Records made the announcement after verifying the count of the diyas using drones, a government statement said.

— UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat presented the Guinness certificate to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Therefore, c is the correct answer.

(For more, refer — Ayodhya Deepotsav: New world record with 26.17 lakh diyas, 2128 people performing aarti together, The Indian Express.)

Happy Diwali!

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