Diwali: Festival of lights online exercise for - Free Printable

Here is the solution to the worksheet, with an explanation for each answer:

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1. Diwali is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year.
✔ Answer: True

*Explanation:* Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is widely considered one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is observed by millions across the country and holds great cultural, religious, and social importance for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. While India has many major holidays, Diwali is often regarded as the most prominent due to its scale of celebration, economic impact (shopping season), and spiritual significance.

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2. The festival gets its name from the row of clay lamp.
✔ Answer: True

*Explanation:* The word “Diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” which means “row of lights.” During the festival, people light rows of oil lamps (called *diyas*) or candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. So yes, the name directly refers to the row of lamps.

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3. Diwali is not important to Hindus.
✘ Answer: False

*Explanation:* This statement is incorrect. Diwali is extremely important to Hindus. It commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as told in the epic Ramayana. It also celebrates the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. For Hindus, it’s a time for prayer, family gatherings, feasting, and lighting lamps — making it one of their most sacred and joyous festivals.

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4. Diwali is the national festival.
✘ Answer: False

*Explanation:* While Diwali is a major and widely celebrated festival across India, India does not have an official “national festival.” India recognizes several public holidays based on different religions and regions. For example, Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) are considered national holidays, but no single religious festival is officially designated as the “national festival.”

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5. Western India the festival marks the day that King Rama's.
✘ Answer: False

*Explanation:* This sentence is grammatically incomplete (“King Rama’s” what?). However, even if we assume it meant “marks the day that King Rama returned,” this is misleading. In Western India (e.g., Gujarat, Maharashtra), Diwali is primarily associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the New Year (known as *Bestu Varas* or *Vikram Samvat*). The story of King Rama’s return is more central to Diwali celebrations in Northern India. So, while Rama’s return is part of Diwali lore nationwide, it’s not the primary focus in Western India.

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6. Southern India celebrates it as the day that Lord Krishna.
✔ Answer: True *(with context)*

*Explanation:* In Southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Diwali is often celebrated as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. This event is called *Naraka Chaturdashi*, which falls the day before the main Diwali night. People take ritual baths before sunrise and celebrate Krishna’s victory. So yes, in the South, Diwali is strongly linked to Lord Krishna’s triumph — though the full Diwali period includes other observances too.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. True
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. False
6. True

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