A) Berhampur
B) Puri
C) Cuttack
D) Sambalpur
Correct Answer: A) Berhampur
Explanation: Thakurani Yatra is the most important festival of Berhampur in Ganjam district. It is held every two years in honor of Goddess Budhi Thakurani. The festival features colorful processions, folk dances, and rituals that reflect the cultural richness and religious traditions of southern Odisha.
Explanation: Thakurani Yatra is the most important festival of Berhampur in Ganjam district. It is held every two years in honor of Goddess Budhi Thakurani. The festival features colorful processions, folk dances, and rituals that reflect the cultural richness and religious traditions of southern Odisha.
Q32) Which festival of Odisha celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters similar to Raksha Bandhan?
A) Gamha Purnima
B) Kumar Purnima
C) Pana Sankranti
D) Raja Parba
Correct Answer: A) Gamha Purnima
Explanation: Gamha Purnima coincides with Raksha Bandhan when sisters tie rakhis to their brothers. In Odisha, this day also involves worship of cattle, as farmers honor cows and bulls. Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Jagannath, is worshipped, symbolizing protection, love, and sibling unity.
Explanation: Gamha Purnima coincides with Raksha Bandhan when sisters tie rakhis to their brothers. In Odisha, this day also involves worship of cattle, as farmers honor cows and bulls. Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Jagannath, is worshipped, symbolizing protection, love, and sibling unity.
Q33) “Sital Sasthi” festival in Sambalpur marks the divine marriage of which deities?
A) Vishnu and Lakshmi
B) Jagannath and Lakshmi
C) Shiva and Parvati
D) Rama and Sita
Correct Answer: C) Shiva and Parvati
Explanation: Sital Sasthi is a grand festival in Sambalpur, celebrating the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Local families act as parents of the bride and groom. Cultural processions, folk songs, and dramatic enactments attract thousands of devotees, blending devotion with community celebration.
Explanation: Sital Sasthi is a grand festival in Sambalpur, celebrating the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Local families act as parents of the bride and groom. Cultural processions, folk songs, and dramatic enactments attract thousands of devotees, blending devotion with community celebration.
Q34) Which festival of Odisha is also known as “Makar Sankranti”?
A) Pana Sankranti
B) Raja Parba
C) Makara Mela
D) Magha Saptami
Correct Answer: C) Makara Mela
Explanation: Makara Mela, observed on Makar Sankranti, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Odisha. People take holy dips, prepare Makar Chaula (a dish of rice, jaggery, coconut, and milk), and offer it to deities. In Jagannath Temple, Puri, Lord Jagannath is offered special “Makar Chaula.”
Explanation: Makara Mela, observed on Makar Sankranti, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Odisha. People take holy dips, prepare Makar Chaula (a dish of rice, jaggery, coconut, and milk), and offer it to deities. In Jagannath Temple, Puri, Lord Jagannath is offered special “Makar Chaula.”
Q35) The festival “Chitalagi Amavasya” in Puri is dedicated to which deity?
A) Lord Shiva
B) Lord Krishna
C) Lord Jagannath
D) Lord Sun
Correct Answer: C) Lord Jagannath
Explanation: Chitalagi Amavasya is celebrated at Jagannath Temple, Puri, when the deity is adorned with a special ornament called “Chita.” It marks a ritualistic dressing ceremony, showcasing Lord Jagannath’s grandeur. Devotees believe that participating in this ritual brings blessings of prosperity and spiritual upliftment.
Explanation: Chitalagi Amavasya is celebrated at Jagannath Temple, Puri, when the deity is adorned with a special ornament called “Chita.” It marks a ritualistic dressing ceremony, showcasing Lord Jagannath’s grandeur. Devotees believe that participating in this ritual brings blessings of prosperity and spiritual upliftment.
Q36) Which festival of Odisha involves worshipping cattle with turmeric, vermilion, and garlands?
A) Gamha Purnima
B) Raja Parba
C) Kumar Purnima
D) Sital Sasthi
Correct Answer: A) Gamha Purnima
Explanation: Gamha Purnima is not just about Raksha Bandhan but also about honoring cattle. Farmers bathe cows and bulls, apply turmeric and vermilion, and decorate them with garlands. The tradition reflects gratitude towards animals that support agriculture and sustenance in Odisha’s agrarian society.
Explanation: Gamha Purnima is not just about Raksha Bandhan but also about honoring cattle. Farmers bathe cows and bulls, apply turmeric and vermilion, and decorate them with garlands. The tradition reflects gratitude towards animals that support agriculture and sustenance in Odisha’s agrarian society.
Q37) “Kartik Purnima” in Odisha is particularly significant for which tradition?
A) Worship of Goddess Durga
B) Lighting boats and floating them in rivers
C) Swing rituals for Radha-Krishna
D) Worship of Lord Shiva
Correct Answer: B) Lighting boats and floating them in rivers
Explanation: On Kartik Purnima, people in Odisha float miniature boats with lamps, betel leaves, and flowers in rivers and ponds, symbolizing ancient maritime voyages. It honors the memory of Odia sailors who once traveled to Bali and Southeast Asia, marking Odisha’s maritime heritage.
Explanation: On Kartik Purnima, people in Odisha float miniature boats with lamps, betel leaves, and flowers in rivers and ponds, symbolizing ancient maritime voyages. It honors the memory of Odia sailors who once traveled to Bali and Southeast Asia, marking Odisha’s maritime heritage.
Q38) Which festival is also called the “festival of swings” in Odisha?
A) Dola Purnima
B) Raja Parba
C) Pana Sankranti
D) Sital Sasthi
Correct Answer: B) Raja Parba
Explanation: Raja Parba is famous as the “festival of swings,” where young girls and women enjoy decorated swings hung from trees. It celebrates womanhood, monsoon’s arrival, and Earth’s fertility. The festival also features traditional songs, pithas (cakes), and joyful cultural activities across Odisha.
Explanation: Raja Parba is famous as the “festival of swings,” where young girls and women enjoy decorated swings hung from trees. It celebrates womanhood, monsoon’s arrival, and Earth’s fertility. The festival also features traditional songs, pithas (cakes), and joyful cultural activities across Odisha.
Q39) In which Odisha district is the “Parab Festival” organized?
A) Koraput
B) Puri
C) Balasore
D) Mayurbhanj
Correct Answer: A) Koraput
Explanation: The Parab Festival is an annual cultural event in Koraput district. It celebrates tribal art, dance, music, and crafts. The festival highlights Odisha’s tribal heritage, attracting participants from across the state. It promotes cultural preservation and showcases the rich traditions of indigenous communities.
Explanation: The Parab Festival is an annual cultural event in Koraput district. It celebrates tribal art, dance, music, and crafts. The festival highlights Odisha’s tribal heritage, attracting participants from across the state. It promotes cultural preservation and showcases the rich traditions of indigenous communities.
Q40) Which festival of Odisha is observed with the ritual of fasting and worship of Tulsi plant?
A) Prathamastami
B) Kumar Purnima
C) Kartik Purnima
D) Prathamastami
Correct Answer: A) Prathamastami
Explanation: Prathamastami is celebrated to pray for the well-being of the eldest child in Odia families. Mothers perform rituals near a Tulsi plant, applying “Aida Pitha” (a special steamed cake) as prasad. The festival emphasizes family blessings, prosperity, and the health of children.
Explanation: Prathamastami is celebrated to pray for the well-being of the eldest child in Odia families. Mothers perform rituals near a Tulsi plant, applying “Aida Pitha” (a special steamed cake) as prasad. The festival emphasizes family blessings, prosperity, and the health of children.
