110 Diwali Trivia Questions for Teams to Enjoy a Festive Battle of Wits

Diwali is the perfect occasion to bring your team together for some festive fun. Why not spread the cheer with a sparkling trivia game that celebrates the festival in all its glory? From ancient legends and beloved traditions to global celebrations, there are plenty of interesting topics for teams to test their cultural IQ in an engaging way. 

To help you quiz your teams and find out who really knows their ladoos from their barfis, we have curated a bank of 110 amazing Diwali trivia questions. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why is Diwali Trivia a Fun and Inclusive Team Activity?

Diwali trivia is perfect for teams to learn some fascinating tidbits about the festival while enjoying a friendly competition. Here are a few more reasons why it’s a fun and inclusive team activity. 

• Cultural Awareness: Promotes DEI and Introduces team members to Diwali history and traditions in a light-hearted way. 
• Works for Everyone: These games come with a mix of easy and challenging questions to test your team’s cultural knowledge without overwhelming them. 
• Adaptable Format: Diwali trivia can be adapted for remote, hybrid, and in-person teams seamlessly, ensuring no one is left out of the fun.

110 Best Diwali Trivia Questions for Teams

A Diwali trivia game is a great way for teams to engage in a friendly competition while exploring the festival’s origin and traditions in a festive setting. Here are 110 best Diwali trivia questions to add a burst of fun and energy to your team celebrations. 

Traditions and Customs

Diwali involves various beloved traditions and customs that add meaning and warmth (or joy) to the festival. Here are a few Diwali trivia questions on various traditions for teams to explore. 

Q: What is the name of the traditional clay lamps lit during Diwali celebrations?
A: Diyas

Q: Which flower is most commonly used for Diwali decorations and rangolis?
A: Marigold

Q: Out of the five days of Diwali, on which day is Goddess Lakshmi traditionally worshipped?
A: The third day 

Q: What is the special one-hour stock market session held during Diwali evening called?
A: Muhurat Trading

Q: What is the traditional way to wish Happy Diwali in India?
A: “Shubh Deepavali”

Q: Which metal is popularly purchased on Dhanteras as a symbol of prosperity?
A: Gold 

Q: Which Hindu deity is worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali?
A: Lord Ganesha

Q: What item is tied to the main entrance of homes during Diwali for good fortune?
A: Toran

Q: What is the name of the fifth day of Diwali, dedicated to celebrating siblings?
A: Bhai Dooj

Q: Which natural ingredient was traditionally used to make rangoli colors before synthetic ones?
A: Rice flour

Q: Which god is worshipped by traders and businessmen during Diwali for prosperity?
A: Lord Kubera 

Q: What is drawn at the home entrance during Diwali to invite Goddess Lakshmi?
A: Footprints/ Shripada

Q: What is the ‘desi’ (Indian) version of  Bingo often played during Diwali?
A: Tambola

Q: What is the name of the sacred thread that is tied around the account books during Diwali puja?
A: Mauli/ Kalawa

Q: In which river can you find floating diyas during Diwali celebrations in India?
A: The Ganges 

Q: In which Hindu month is the festival of Diwali celebrated?
A: Kartika 

Q: What traditional practice involves decorating cows and worshipping them during Diwali?
A: Govardhan Puja 

Q: What is the name of the decorative patterns made with rice flour to invite prosperity during Diwali?
A: Rangoli 

Q: What is the name of the ritual where new business accounts are opened during Diwali?
A: Chopda Pujan

Q: Which traditional Diwali activity involves painting clay lamps?
A: Diya painting 

Q: Which sacred instrument is played in homes or temples during Diwali prayers?
A: Brass bells/conch shells

Q: Which bird is considered auspicious to see during Diwali night?
A: An owl

Q: What type of traditional floor art is made in eastern India during Diwali?
A: Alpana 

Q: What is the name of the traditional paper lanterns lit during Diwali?
A: Kandils 

Q: What is applied on the forehead during Diwali rituals?
A: Tilak 

Mythology and Legends

Diwali is deeply rooted in epic legends that reveal the history and origin of this festival of lights. Here are a few Diwali trivia questions that highlight the deities and tales behind the celebrations. 

Q: Whose return to the kingdom of Ayodhya is celebrated as Diwali?
A: Lord Rama

Q: Who is Lord Rama’s wife, central to the Diwali story?
A: Sita

Q: Which Indian epic narrates the story of Rama and Ravana?
A: Ramayana

Q: Which goddess is worshipped for wealth on Diwali?
A: Lakshmi

Q: Which demon was killed by Krishna, linked to Diwali celebrations in some regions?
A: Narakasura

Q: Which festival day marks the defeat of Narakasura?
A: Naraka Chaturdashi

Q: Which Jain spiritual leader attained nirvana on Diwali?
A: Mahavira

Q: In Sikhism, which Guru’s release from prison is commemorated around Diwali?
A: Guru Hargobind

Q: In Bengal, which goddess is worshipped during Diwali?
A: Kali

Q: In Maharashtra, which ritual involves people waking up before sunrise on the second day of Diwali?
A: Abhyanga Snan

Q: Which deity is worshipped first before Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali puja?
A: Ganesha

Q: Who was Ravana’s sister, central to the Ramayana conflict?
A: Shurpanakha

Q: Which monkey king helped Rama in the Ramayana?
A: Sugriva

Q: In the Krishna legend, which weapon did he use to kill Narakasura?
A: Sudarshan Chakra

Q: What celestial event determines the timing of Diwali?
A: Amavasya (new moon)

Q: Which form of Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during Diwali?
A: Dhana Lakshmi

Q: Which Jain text records Mahavira’s nirvana on Diwali?
A: Kalpasutra 

Q: Which demon is closely associated with the legend of Goddess Kali’s victory in Bengal?
A: Raktabija

Q: Which festival occurs before Diwali to celebrate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana?
A: Dussehra

Q: What is the name of the demon king Ravana’s son killed by Lakshmana?
A: Atikaya

Q: What bird is Goddess Lakshmi often depicted with?
A: Owl

Q: Which Weapon did Lord Rama use to kill Ravana, leading to his journey back to the kingdom? 
A: Brahmastra 

Q: Which god is offered prayers with diyas on Govardhan Puja?
A: Krishna

Q: Which brother of Ravana was considered righteous and helped Rama?
A: Vibhishana

Q: Which deity is invoked with account books during Diwali for prosperity?
A: Goddess Lakshmi

Festive Fashion

This category is all about Indian ethnic wear and various accessories for teams to explore the rich fashion in a lighthearted way. Here are a few Diwali trivia questions on festive wear for everyone to test their wits and draw inspiration for their team celebration outfits. 

Q: What traditional Indian garment is commonly worn by men during Diwali?
A: Kurta

Q: What is the traditional Indian skirt worn by women called?
A: Lehenga

Q: What is the name of the long scarf often draped over ethnic outfits?
A: Dupatta

Q: Which ethnic outfit combines a top, pants, and a traditional scarf for women?
A: Salwar Kameez

Q: Which type of jewel is considered most auspicious to wear during Diwali?
A: Gold

Q: What type of traditional embroidery is popular on ethnic outfits?
A: Zari

Q: What is the traditional decorative pattern applied to hands during Diwali?
A: Mehendi

Q: Which accessory is worn on the forehead by women?
A: Bindi

Q: Which colorful footwear is often paired with ethnic wear?
A: Mojari/ Jutti

Q: Which Indian ornament is worn around the wrist?
A: Bangles

Q: Which flowy Indian fabric is often used to make festive scarves?
A: Chiffon

Q: What is the name of the pouch used to carry small gifts during Diwali?
A: Potli

Q: Which Indian ornament adorns the hair parting?
A: Maang Tikka

Q: What is the name of the traditional ankle jewelry worn with ethnic outfits?
A: Anklets

Q: What is the traditional waistcoat worn by Indian men over a kurta called?
A: Nehru Jacket

Q: What traditional floral ornament is often used by women to decorate their festive hairstyles?
A: Gajra

Q: Which vibrant technique creates tie-dye patterns on festive fabrics?
A: Bandhani

Q: Which type of embroidery uses mirrors stitched into the fabric?
A: Sheesha

Q: Which fabric is made by weaving metallic threads to create intricate patterns for a festive shimmer?
A: Brocade

Q: What traditional ornament is worn on the nose by women for Diwali celebrations?
A: Nath

Festive Treats

Diwali celebrations aren’t complete without savoring homemade snacks and meals with loved ones. So, this category includes Diwali trivia questions on various festive treats people enjoy during the holiday. 

Q: What is the popular sweet made from gram flour and sugar during Diwali?
A: Besan Ladoo

Q: What is the name of the deep-fried crescent-shaped sweet?
A: Gujiya

Q: What is the name of the dish with savory lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and spices?
A: Dahi Bhalla/ Dahi Vada

Q: Which lentil dish is commonly served with rice during Diwali?
A: Dal

Q: Which savory snack is made from gram flour and shaped into small, thin sticks?
A: Sev

Q: What is the name of the crunchy, salted snack made from moong dal?
A: Chakli

Q: Which North Indian bread is typically paired with curries during Diwali meals?
A: Naan

Q: What is the name of the sweet made with lentil flour and jaggery?
A: Moong Dal Ladoo

Q: Which Diwali treat is a mix of nuts, dry fruits, and fried dough?
A: Namkeen Mixture

Q: What is the popular sweet made from semolina, ghee, sugar, and nuts?
A: Suji Halwa

Q: Which crunchy sweet is made from sugar-coated peanuts?
A: Chikki

Q: Which popular sweet is made with milk solids and flavored with cardamom? 
A: Peda

Q: What is the yogurt-based curry made during Diwali celebrations?
A: Kadhi

Q: What is the name of the deep-fried Indian sweet made from semolina and sugar syrup? 
A: Gulab Jamun

Q: Which Diwali snack is a spiced mix of flattened rice, peanuts, and curry leaves?
A: Chivda

Q: Which savory stuffed pastry is popular at Diwali gatherings?
A: Samosa

Q: What is the North Indian spiced savory biscuit eaten during Diwali called?
A: Namak Para

Q: What sweet is made by layering roasted flour with sugar syrup to create a delicate, flaky texture?
A: Soan Papdi

Q: What is the name of the traditional savory pancake, eaten during Diwali?
A: Cheela

Q: What is the name of the crispy, deep-fried fritter commonly served with chutney in India?
A: Pakodi

Global Celebrations

Diwali celebrations aren’t just limited to India; various countries celebrate the festival with their unique traditions and cultural events. Here are a few Diwali trivia questions for teams to explore more about global celebrations. 

Q: Which Southeast Asian country celebrates Diwali as a public holiday for its Hindu population?
A: Singapore

Q: Which Canadian city is famous for its annual Diwali festival at Nathan Phillips Square?
A: Toronto

Q: Which Caribbean nation hosts one of the largest Diwali motorcades outside India?
A: Guyana

Q: Which Middle Eastern city decorates shopping malls and public spaces with lights for Diwali?
A: Dubai

Q: Which city in South Africa holds the biggest Diwali celebration?
A: Durban

Q: Which US city hosts a vibrant Diwali parade and festival in the Jackson Heights neighbourhood?
A: New York

Q: Which European country celebrates Diwali with community lighting in Leicester Square?
A: United Kingdom

Q: Which Asian city decorates the area called ‘Little India’ with lights and rangoli for Diwali?
A: Singapore

Q: Which US state recognizes Diwali as a cultural holiday in schools?
A: California

Q: Which African island nation celebrates Diwali with temple rituals and cultural shows?
A: Mauritius

Q: Which New Zealand festival for Diwali includes cultural performances and food stalls?
A: The BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival

Q: Which Asian country is known for celebrating “Deepavali” with prayers and community events?
A: Malaysia

Q: Which city in Canada celebrates Diwali with fireworks at Celebration Square?
A: Mississauga

Q: In which country is Diwali celebrated as Tihar?
A: Nepal

Q: Which South Asian country’s Tamil community celebrates Diwali with kolams and temple rituals?
A: Sri Lanka

Q: Which Australian city is famous for its Diwali festival with stage performances, markets, and fireworks?
A: Melbourne 

Q: In which country do Indo-Caribbean communities celebrate Diwali with vibrant parades and cultural dances?
A: Trinidad & Tobago

Q: In which Pacific island nation is Diwali celebrated with vibrant parades and temple rituals?
A: Fiji

Q: Which Southeast Asian city blends Thai customs with Diwali traditions to host a vibrant celebration? 
A: Bangkok

Q: Where do Diwali celebrations take place in Paris?
A: Maison de l’Inde

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. People usually wear new clothes, perform ‘puja’, share meals, and exchange gifts to celebrate the festival. 

What are some good categories to frame trivia questions about Diwali?

History, festive fashion, cultural symbols, traditional food, or even Bollywood dance are some good categories to frame trivia questions for Diwali. 

Can my whole team participate in a game with fun Diwali trivia questions?

Absolutely! The Diwali trivia questions and answers cover a mix of easy and challenging topics, making it fun and inclusive. The idea is to add some excitement to the team celebrations and explore more about the holiday in a light-hearted way. 

How to make trivia questions on Diwali more engaging? 

Opt for a mix of categories while creating the list of Diwali trivia questions, and include interesting themes like picture rounds to keep the game engaging for all. 

How to host a Diwali trivia game virtually?

To host a virtual Diwali trivia, select an online video conferencing platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Create a list of interesting Diwali trivia questions with answers to engage everyone. Send out meeting invites with all the necessary details so everyone can join the session. Alternatively, opt for a virtual team building company for a fully-hosted experience.