What is the name of the demon king in the Holi legend?
Answer
Hiranyakashipu
19 Holi Trivia Questions with Answers
19 public questions with answers, drawn from the well. How many can you answer?
Holi trivia explores the Hindu festival of colors through mythology, history, art, regional customs, language, and natural traditions. Questions may ask about Holika and the demon king in the festival’s best-known legend, the ancient texts that mention Holi, or the historical paintings that captured colorful celebrations at Indian courts.
This 20-question collection also highlights distinctive practices, including Lathmar Holi in Barsana, flower-based celebrations at the Banke Bihari temple, and the use of flowers from trees such as the tesu or palash to create natural colors. It suits classroom activities, cultural quizzes, festive game nights, and curious learners who want more context than the familiar image of people throwing colored powder.
In which century was the earliest known painting of Holi created?
Answer
16th century
How many days does Lathmar Holi in Barsana last?
Answer
Two days
Which Mughal emperor banned Holi in 1665?
Answer
Aurangzeb
Which trees' flowers are used for natural Holi colors?
Answer
Tesu (Palash)
Which ancient texts mention Holi?
Answer
Puranas
In which country is Holi called Fagu Purnima?
Answer
Nepal
What is the Sikh celebration related to Holi?
Answer
Hola Mohalla
What is the Holi celebration in West Bengal called?
Answer
Dol Jatra
Which town is famous for Lathmar Holi?
Answer
Barsana
What is the colorful day of Holi called?
Answer
Rangwali Holi
What is the main activity during Holi?
Answer
Throwing colored powders
What is the traditional drink of Holi?
Answer
Thandai
In which Hindu month does Holi occur?
Answer
Phalguna
What color powder is commonly used in Holi?
Answer
Gulal
Which demoness was burned in the Holika bonfire?
Answer
Holika
What is the night before Holi called?
Answer
Holika Dahan
What is Holi commonly called?
Answer
Festival of Colors
Holi trivia — quick answers
What are good Holi trivia questions?
Good Holi trivia questions explore the festival’s legends, names, regional celebrations, historical references, artwork, flowers, and natural colors. Useful examples include questions about Holika, Lathmar Holi, Mughal-era celebrations, the festival’s ancient textual references, and the meaning of Fagu Purnima.
How hard is Holi trivia?
Holi trivia is usually moderate. Basic questions about colors and spring celebrations are approachable, while questions about Sanskrit and Hindu texts, Mughal history, regional customs, temple traditions, and historical paintings require more cultural knowledge.
Who is the demon king in the Holi legend?
The demon king is Hiranyakashipu. In the traditional story, he demanded that everyone worship him, but his son Prahlada remained devoted to Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu asked his sister Holika, who was believed to be fire-resistant, to sit with Prahlada in flames. Prahlada survived, while Holika perished.
What is Holi also called in Nepal?
In Nepal, Holi is commonly known as Fagu Purnima, a name connected with the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The festival is celebrated with colors, music, gatherings, and, in many places, a bonfire on the preceding evening.
Which Mughal emperor banned public Holi celebrations in 1665?
Aurangzeb banned public celebrations of Holi in 1665 through an imperial order. Holi had also been celebrated at several Mughal courts, sometimes under names such as Eid-e-Gulabi or Aab-e-Pashi. The festival later returned to public and courtly life after Aurangzeb’s reign.