Diwali GK Quiz 2026: Attempt Important MCQs with Answers and Explanations

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is one of India’s major festivals and is celebrated by diverse communities across the country. Known as the Festival of Lights, it symbolises the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Its traditions are associated with Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, with regional variations in celebrations. Deepavali was also inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025. The following 15 MCQs cover important facts, history, traditions and cultural significance of Diwali.

GK Quiz on Diwali: 15 MCQs with Answers

1. The word ‘Diwali’ is derived from which language?

a) Pali

b) Apabhramsa

c) Sanskrit

d) Prakrit

Answer: c) Sanskrit

Explanation: The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means a row or series of lamps.

2. Diwali is celebrated in which month of the Hindu lunar calendar?

a) Ashwin

b) Ashadha

c) Kartika

d) Magha

Answer: c) Kartika

Explanation: Diwali falls on Kartika Amavasya, the new moon day in the Hindu month of Kartika, generally during October or November.

3. Diwali is traditionally celebrated over how many days?

a) 2 days

b) 5 days

c) 6 days

d) 4 days

Answer: b) 5 days

Explanation: The traditional five-day Diwali celebration begins with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj. The sequence and observances may vary across regions.

4. Who defeated the demon Narakasura according to Hindu tradition?

a) Lord Vishnu

b) Lord Rama

c) Lord Krishna

d) Lord Yama

Answer: c) Lord Krishna

Explanation: According to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura. This victory is commemorated during Naraka Chaturdashi in several parts of India.

5. Which of the following oils is traditionally used to light some diyas during Diwali?

a) Corn oil

b) Mustard oil

c) Groundnut oil

d) Coconut oil

Answer: b) Mustard oil

Explanation: Mustard oil is traditionally used in many parts of India to light earthen lamps. Ghee and other oils are also used.

6. The second day of the traditional five-day Diwali celebration is known as which of the following?

a) Bhai Dooj

b) Dhanteras

c) Govardhan Puja

d) Naraka Chaturdashi

Answer: d) Naraka Chaturdashi

Explanation: Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is observed on the second day of the traditional five-day celebration. It commemorates the victory over Narakasura.

7. Which day of the five-day Diwali festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters?

a) First day

b) Second day

c) Fourth day

d) Fifth day

Answer: d) Fifth day

Explanation: Bhai Dooj is celebrated on the fifth day of the traditional Diwali sequence. It honours the bond between brothers and sisters and is also known as Bhai Phonta and Bhai Tika in different regions.

8. Which Sikh Guru’s release from imprisonment is commemorated through Bandi Chhor Divas?

a) Guru Nanak Dev

b) Guru Hargobind Sahib

c) Guru Gobind Singh

d) Guru Arjan Dev

Answer: b) Guru Hargobind Sahib

Explanation: Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from Gwalior Fort, along with 52 princes. The occasion is observed around Diwali.

9. Diwali is not traditionally a major religious festival of which of the following religions?

a) Jainism

b) Sikhism

c) Judaism

d) Hinduism

Answer: c) Judaism

Explanation: Diwali has religious and cultural significance in Hindu, Jain and Sikh traditions. It is not a major traditional festival in Judaism.

10. Which deity is commonly worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali?

a) Lord Narayana

b) Lord Vishnu

c) Lord Krishna

d) Lord Ganesha

Answer: d) Lord Ganesha

Explanation: Many Hindu households worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha together during Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi is associated with wealth and prosperity, while Lord Ganesha represents wisdom and auspicious beginnings.

11. Lord Rama was the ruler of which kingdom?

a) Indraprastha

b) Mithila

c) Ayodhya

d) Hastinapur

Answer: c) Ayodhya

Explanation: According to the Ramayana tradition, Lord Rama was the prince and later king of Ayodhya. Diwali is associated with his return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

12. Which king is associated with Bali Pratipada, observed during the Diwali festival in some regions?

a) Yudhishthira

b) Mahabali

c) Vikramaditya

d) Prithviraj Chauhan

Answer: b) Mahabali

Explanation: Bali Pratipada, also known as Bali Padyami, is associated with the legendary King Mahabali. In some regional traditions, it marks his annual return to visit his people.

13. Which Sikh festival coincides with Diwali celebrations?

a) Guru Nanak Jayanti

b) Baisakhi

c) Bandi Chhor Divas

d) Hola Mohalla

Answer: c) Bandi Chhor Divas

Explanation: Bandi Chhor Divas is observed by Sikhs around Diwali. It commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from imprisonment at Gwalior Fort.

14. In which Indian state is Diwali night particularly associated with Kali Puja?

a) Gujarat

b) Maharashtra

c) West Bengal

d) Rajasthan

Answer: c) West Bengal

Explanation: Kali Puja, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is an important Diwali-night observance in West Bengal, Tripura and parts of Assam.

15. In which region of India is Diwali particularly associated with Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura?

a) Eastern India

b) Northern India

c) Southern India

d) Western India