Challenge Your Raksha Bandhan IQ: Test Your Festive Knowledge

Rakshabandhan is a special festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a colorful thread called Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, and brothers promise to protect their sisters. This festival is full of traditions, stories, and fun!

But how much do you know about the history and customs of Rakshabandhan? Let’s find out!

This quiz will test your knowledge of this wonderful holiday. Get ready to have fun and learn something new about the beautiful relationship between brothers and sisters.

1. What is the meaning of the word ‘Rakshabandhan’?

A) The bond of love

B) Security of Margin

C) Protection margin

D) Love Clues

Answer: (C) Protection Bond

Explanation: “Rakshabandhan” is a Sanskrit word where “Raksha” means protection and “Bandhan” means bond. Hence, it symbolizes the bond of protection between brothers and sisters.

2. Traditionally, Rakshabandhan is celebrated in which Hindu month?

A) Chaitra

B) Savan

C) Kartik

D) Marg

Answer: (B) Sawan

Description: Rakshabandhan is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu calendar month of Sawan, which usually falls in August.

3. What are the other names of Rakshabandhan in South India?

A) Nalalipunima

B) Avani Avittam

C) Bhai Dooj

D) Harvest Festival

Answer: (B) Avani Avittam

Explanation: In South India, especially among the Tamil and Telugu Brahmins, Rakshabandhan is known as Avani Avittam and is a day of rituals.

4. What do brothers traditionally wear on their wrists during Rakshabandhan?

A) Bracelet

B) Threads

C) Laki

D) Bracelet

Answer: (C) Rakhi

Description: Rakhi is a sacred thread that sisters tie on their brothers’ wrists during Rakshabandhan, symbolizing protection and love.

5. Which historical figure is said to have sent Rakhi to Emperor Humayun?

A) Rani Laxmibai

B) Rani Padmini

C) Rani Karnavati

D) Razia Sultana

Answer: (C) Rani Karnavati

Explanation: It is said that Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, sent a Rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun, asking him to protect her from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat.

6. Which epic poem first mentioned the festival of Rakshabandhan?

A) Ramayana

B) Mahabharata

C) Vedas

D) Upanishads

Answer: (B) Mahabharata

Explanation: The Mahabharata contains one of the earliest references to Raksha Bandhan, in which the Black Princess ties a piece of cloth around Krishna’s wrist, symbolizing the bond between them.

7. Which of the following is a popular sweet dish during the Rakshabandhan festival?

A) Gulab Jamun

B) Kaju Catli

C) Radu

D) Jalebi

Answer: (B) Kaju Katli

Description: Kaju Katli, made of cashew nuts and sugar, is a popular sweet during the festival of Rakshabandhan, symbolizing the sweetness of the relationship between brothers and sisters.

8. Which Indian state is famous for the traditional celebration of ‘Lumba Rakhi’?

A) Punjab

B) Maharashtra

C) Rajasthan

D) Gujarat

Answer: (C) Rajasthan

Description: In Rajasthan, ‘Lumba Rakhi’ is performed with the bangles of sister-in-law (Bhabhi) and brother tied together to symbolize the importance of all family members in the festival.

9. In many parts of India, the festival of Rakshabandhan also marks the beginning of which agricultural season?

A) Planting of Kharivi crops

B) Harvesting Rabi Crops

C) The End of Zayed Crop

D) Winter planting season

Answer: (A) Planting of kharivi crops

Explanation: Rakshabandhan marks the beginning of the Kalifu crop season in many regions, especially in Maharashtra, where it coincides with the marine festival Narali Purnima.

10. Which of the following statements about Rakshabandhan is correct?

A) Only sisters tie Rakhis on their brothers.

B) Brothers also tie Rakhis for their sisters.

C) It is a festival celebrated only in India.

D) Rakshabandhan is celebrated on the new moon.

Answer: (B) Brothers also tie Rakhis for their sisters.

Explanation: Traditionally, sisters wear raki for their brothers, but in many cultures, brothers also wear raki for their sisters, symbolizing mutual protection and care.

11. Which famous Indian poet wrote a poem titled ‘Raksha Bandhan’?

A) Rabindranath Tagore

B) Sarojini Naidu

C) Harivansh Rai Bachchan

D) Mirza Ghalib

Answer: (A) Rabindranath Tagore

Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore composed a poem called Rakshabandhan which stressed that the bond of protection exists not only between brothers and sisters but also between all individuals in the society.

12. In which region of India Rakshabandhan is celebrated as ‘Kajari Purnima’?

A) North India

B) West India

C) Central India

D) South India

Answer: (C) Central India

Description: Kajali Purnima is celebrated in central India, especially in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Bihar, marking the beginning of the wheat and barley sowing season.

13. Which of the following deities is usually worshipped during Rakshabandhan?

A) Lord Shiva

B) Lord Krishna

C) Ganesha

D) Lord Vishnu

Answer: B) Lord Krishna

Explanation: Lord Krishna is often worshipped on the day of Rakshabandhan due to his friendship with Draupadi, one of the earliest records of the festival.

14. What wishes do sisters usually make to their brothers during Rakshabandhan?

A) Wealth

B) Long life and protection

C) Career success

D) Knowledge and wisdom

Answer: (B) Long life and protection

Explanation: Traditionally, sisters wish their brothers long life and protection from all harm, while brothers vow to protect their sisters from any hardship.

15. Which of the following is a modern custom associated with Rakshabandhan?

A) Sending electronic raki

B) Lighting fixtures

C) Decorate your house with flowers

D) Prepare traditional music

Answer: (A) Send electrons to Laki

Explanation: In the digital age, many people send e-raki to their brothers and sisters who are far away, so that the festival can be celebrated virtually.

16. Which historical event is associated with the Rakshabandhan celebrations of the Bengali community?

A) Partition of Bengal in 1905

B) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

C) Salt March

D) Quit India Movement

Answer: (A) Partition of Bengal in 1905

Description: During the Partition of Bengal in 1905, Rabindranath Tagore encouraged Hindus and Muslims to wear Rakhis to each other as a symbol of unity to protest against the British policy of divide and rule.

17. Which Bollywood movie featured the festival of Rakshabandhan prominently in the storyline?

A) Hehehe

B) Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

C) Chucky 420

D) Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Answer: (A) Hum Saath Saath Hain

Description: The movie Hum Saath Saath Hain is about the celebrations of Rakshabandhan and showcases the bond of love and responsibility between brothers and sisters.

18. In which country outside India do Hindus celebrate Rakshabandhan?

A) Nepal

B) Sri Lanka

C) Indonesia

D) Mauritius

Answer: (A) Nepal

Description: In Nepal, the Hindu community celebrates Rakshabandhan with great enthusiasm, similar to the traditions in India.

19. What is the significance of Rakshabandhan in Jainism?

A) Protecting monks

B) Tying Rakhi to the Deity

C) Vow of non-violence

D) Celebrate Forgiveness

Answer: (A) To protect the monks

Description: In Jainism, Rakshabandhan symbolizes the vow taken by the faithful to protect Jain monks and nuns, ensuring their safety on their spiritual journey.

20. What is the traditional gift that a brother gives to his sister during Rakshabandhan?

A) Jewelry

B) Clothes

C) Money or gifts

D) Books

Answer: (C) Money or gifts

Explanation: Traditionally, after the Rakhi ceremony, brothers give money or gifts to their sisters as a token of love and gratitude.