A) Magha Saptami
B) Chitalagi Amavasya
C) Pana Sankranti
D) Dhanu Sankranti
Correct Answer: A) Magha Saptami
Explanation: Magha Saptami is observed at Chandrabhaga near Konark Sun Temple, where devotees take a holy dip at sunrise and worship the Sun God. It is believed to cure ailments and purify the body and soul. The festival holds immense religious and cultural importance in Odisha.
Explanation: Magha Saptami is observed at Chandrabhaga near Konark Sun Temple, where devotees take a holy dip at sunrise and worship the Sun God. It is believed to cure ailments and purify the body and soul. The festival holds immense religious and cultural importance in Odisha.
Q22) “Dhanu Sankranti” is celebrated in Odisha during which month?
A) December-January
B) March-April
C) June-July
D) September-October
Correct Answer: A) December-January
Explanation: Dhanu Sankranti is observed in December-January (when the Sun enters Sagittarius). Special rituals are performed in Jagannath Temple, Puri. A unique offering called “Dhanu Muaan” (sweet made of jaggery, rice flakes, and sesame) is prepared. It is closely associated with Lord Jagannath’s worship and folk celebrations.
Explanation: Dhanu Sankranti is observed in December-January (when the Sun enters Sagittarius). Special rituals are performed in Jagannath Temple, Puri. A unique offering called “Dhanu Muaan” (sweet made of jaggery, rice flakes, and sesame) is prepared. It is closely associated with Lord Jagannath’s worship and folk celebrations.
Q23) The festival “Kumar Purnima” in Odisha is celebrated to honor which deity?
A) Lord Jagannath
B) Lord Kartikeya
C) Lord Krishna
D) Goddess Durga
Correct Answer: B) Lord Kartikeya
Explanation: Kumar Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashwina month. Girls worship Lord Kartikeya (Kumar), the handsome son of Lord Shiva, praying for good looks and suitable husbands. It is also a harvest festival where the moon is worshipped with offerings of food.
Explanation: Kumar Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashwina month. Girls worship Lord Kartikeya (Kumar), the handsome son of Lord Shiva, praying for good looks and suitable husbands. It is also a harvest festival where the moon is worshipped with offerings of food.
Q24) Which festival of Odisha is linked with the birth of Lord Krishna?
A) Pana Sankranti
B) Janmashtami
C) Chandan Yatra
D) Bali Jatra
Correct Answer: B) Janmashtami
Explanation: Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great devotion across Odisha. In Jagannath temples, devotees perform fasting, bhajans, and dramatic enactments of Krishna’s childhood (Krishna Leela). The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and highlights Krishna’s divine role in dharma.
Explanation: Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great devotion across Odisha. In Jagannath temples, devotees perform fasting, bhajans, and dramatic enactments of Krishna’s childhood (Krishna Leela). The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and highlights Krishna’s divine role in dharma.
Q25) “Pana Sankranti” marks which occasion in Odisha?
A) Odia New Year
B) First Monsoon Festival
C) Harvest Celebration
D) Birth of Lord Jagannath
Correct Answer: A) Odia New Year
Explanation: Pana Sankranti, also called Maha Vishuba Sankranti, marks the Odia New Year in April. Devotees prepare a sweet drink called “Pana” made from bael, jaggery, and water, which is offered to Lord Jagannath and shared among people. It symbolizes prosperity and good health.
Explanation: Pana Sankranti, also called Maha Vishuba Sankranti, marks the Odia New Year in April. Devotees prepare a sweet drink called “Pana” made from bael, jaggery, and water, which is offered to Lord Jagannath and shared among people. It symbolizes prosperity and good health.
Q26) The festival “Dola Purnima” in Odisha is associated with which deity?
A) Lord Shiva
B) Lord Vishnu
C) Lord Krishna
D) Goddess Lakshmi
Correct Answer: C) Lord Krishna
Explanation: Dola Purnima, celebrated on the full moon of Phalguna, honors Lord Krishna and Radha. Idols are placed on swings and taken in colorful processions. People play with colors similar to Holi. It emphasizes devotion, joy, and the eternal bond of Radha-Krishna in Odia culture.
Explanation: Dola Purnima, celebrated on the full moon of Phalguna, honors Lord Krishna and Radha. Idols are placed on swings and taken in colorful processions. People play with colors similar to Holi. It emphasizes devotion, joy, and the eternal bond of Radha-Krishna in Odia culture.
Q27) Which Odisha festival is celebrated in memory of maritime traders sailing to Java and Bali?
A) Magha Saptami
B) Bali Jatra
C) Raja Parba
D) Nuakhai
Correct Answer: B) Bali Jatra
Explanation: Bali Jatra, observed after Kartik Purnima in Cuttack, commemorates the voyages of ancient Odia sailors (Sadhabas) who traded with Bali, Sumatra, and Java. People float toy boats in rivers symbolizing voyages. The festival also features a grand fair, cultural programs, and traditional food.
Explanation: Bali Jatra, observed after Kartik Purnima in Cuttack, commemorates the voyages of ancient Odia sailors (Sadhabas) who traded with Bali, Sumatra, and Java. People float toy boats in rivers symbolizing voyages. The festival also features a grand fair, cultural programs, and traditional food.
Q28) “Gamha Purnima” in Odisha is popularly known for tying which sacred thread?
A) Rakhi
B) Janeu
C) Raksha Sutra
D) Kalawa
Correct Answer: A) Rakhi
Explanation: Gamha Purnima coincides with Raksha Bandhan. Sisters tie rakhi to brothers, seeking protection. In Odisha, Lord Balabhadra is also worshipped. Farmers begin cattle worship, decorating and feeding cows and bulls. The festival symbolizes protection, love, and gratitude towards family bonds and animals.
Explanation: Gamha Purnima coincides with Raksha Bandhan. Sisters tie rakhi to brothers, seeking protection. In Odisha, Lord Balabhadra is also worshipped. Farmers begin cattle worship, decorating and feeding cows and bulls. The festival symbolizes protection, love, and gratitude towards family bonds and animals.
Q29) Which is considered the world’s largest open-air theatre festival, held in Odisha?
A) Bali Jatra
B) Dhanu Jatra
C) Chhau Festival
D) Magha Saptami
Correct Answer: B) Dhanu Jatra
Explanation: Dhanu Jatra of Bargarh is the world’s largest open-air theatre festival. The entire town becomes a stage, enacting Krishna’s victory over Kansa. Streets, markets, and homes turn into mythological settings. It blends devotion, theatre, and folk art, symbolizing the eternal triumph of truth over evil.
Explanation: Dhanu Jatra of Bargarh is the world’s largest open-air theatre festival. The entire town becomes a stage, enacting Krishna’s victory over Kansa. Streets, markets, and homes turn into mythological settings. It blends devotion, theatre, and folk art, symbolizing the eternal triumph of truth over evil.
Q30) Which Odisha festival is celebrated with swings, songs, and special delicacies like pithas?
A) Raja Parba
B) Pana Sankranti
C) Dola Purnima
D) Kumar Purnima
Correct Answer: A) Raja Parba
Explanation: Raja Parba is a joyous festival marking Earth’s fertility and celebrating womanhood. Young girls enjoy swings, play games, and wear traditional attire. Families prepare various pithas (cakes) such as poda pitha and manda pitha. It’s a vibrant mix of cultural traditions, fun, and agriculture.
Explanation: Raja Parba is a joyous festival marking Earth’s fertility and celebrating womanhood. Young girls enjoy swings, play games, and wear traditional attire. Families prepare various pithas (cakes) such as poda pitha and manda pitha. It’s a vibrant mix of cultural traditions, fun, and agriculture.
