Fairs & Festivals — Set 8
Arts & Culture · मेले और त्यौहार · Questions 71–80 of 80
The 'Losar' festival is the Tibetan New Year celebrated primarily in which two regions?
Correct Answer: C. Arunachal and Ladakh
• **Arunachal and Ladakh** = Losar is a major Buddhist festival celebrated to mark the beginning of the New Year. • **Himalayan belt** — the general region where this festival of spiritual renewal and community joy is celebrated. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Mizoram and Tripura]: these states have distinct indigenous cultures and festivals; [Sikkim and Himachal]: also celebrate Losar, but Arunachal and Ladakh are key regions for Tibetan Buddhist culture; [Assam and Manipur]: these states celebrate different New Year festivals.
The 'Bali Yatra' of Cuttack commemorates ancient trade links between Odisha and which country?
Correct Answer: C. Indonesia (Bali)
• **Indonesia (Bali)** = Bali Yatra literally means 'Voyage to Bali' and celebrates the maritime glory of ancient Kalinga. • **Ancient Kalinga** — the historical kingdom of Odisha whose maritime glory is celebrated. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Vietnam]: had historical trade links but not specifically commemorated by Bali Yatra; [Thailand]: also had historical trade links in Southeast Asia but not the primary focus of this festival; [Sri Lanka]: a close maritime neighbor, but Bali Yatra specifically refers to voyages further east.
The 'Phulaich' festival of flowers is specific to which state?
Correct Answer: D. Himachal Pradesh
• **Himachal Pradesh** = Phulaich is a flower festival celebrated in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. • **Kinnaur district** — the specific region in Himachal Pradesh where this flower festival is prominent. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Jammu and Kashmir]: known for its Tulip Festival and other seasonal celebrations; [Sikkim]: known for festivals like Saga Dawa and Losar; [Uttarakhand]: celebrates festivals like Nanda Devi Raj Jat and Kumbh Mela.
In which city is the 'Ganga Mahotsav' organized to celebrate the cultural importance of the River Ganges?
Correct Answer: C. Varanasi
• **Varanasi** = Ganga Mahotsav is a five-day cultural festival held on the ghats of Varanasi. • **Five-day** — duration of this cultural festival held on the ghats. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Rishikesh]: known for its International Yoga Festival; [Haridwar]: a significant pilgrimage city for Kumbh Mela; [Patna]: capital of Bihar, also on the Ganges, but not the primary site for Ganga Mahotsav.
The 'Kila Raipur Sports Festival' is popularly known by what other name?
Correct Answer: C. Rural Olympics
• **Rural Olympics** = Kila Raipur Sports Festival in Punjab features traditional rural sports like bullock cart racing and martial arts. • **Punjab** — the state where this sports festival showcasing traditional rural sports is held. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Traditional Games]: too general, not the specific popular name; [Desi Sports Fair]: not the widely recognized alternative name; [Village Olympics]: a similar term, but 'Rural Olympics' is the established popular name.
The 'Nuakhai' harvest festival is primarily celebrated in which part of India?
Correct Answer: B. Western Odisha
• **Western Odisha** = Nuakhai is celebrated by the people of Western Odisha to welcome the new rice harvest. • The **first crop** of the season — is offered to local deities as a mark of gratitude. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Northern Punjab: not associated with Nuakhai; Eastern Gujarat: not associated with Nuakhai; Southern Kerala: not associated with Nuakhai.
The 'Yaoshang' festival of Manipur is similar to which other Indian festival?
Correct Answer: B. Holi
• **Holi** = Yaoshang is the Manipuri version of Holi and lasts for five days. • It **lasts for five days** — and involves playing with colors and traditional dances. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Lohri: a harvest festival, not similar to Yaoshang's core celebration with colors; Diwali: a festival of lights, not similar to Yaoshang; Navratri: a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, not similar to Yaoshang.
Which state celebrates the 'Teej' festival to mark the arrival of monsoon?
Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan
• **Rajasthan** = Teej is celebrated mainly by women in Rajasthan with swings, traditional songs, and mehendi. • It is celebrated during the **rainy season** — honoring the union of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Kerala: celebrates Onam as its major harvest festival, not Teej; West Bengal: celebrates Durga Puja as a major festival, not Teej; Tamil Nadu: celebrates Pongal as its major harvest festival, not Teej.
The 'Losoong' festival is native to which Indian state?
Correct Answer: A. Sikkim
• **Sikkim** = Losoong marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the Tibetan New Year in Sikkim. • The festival is observed according to the **Tibetan lunar calendar** — celebrated with traditional dances like 'Chaam' and local tribal rituals. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Nagaland: celebrates Hornbill Festival, not Losoong; Meghalaya: celebrates Wangala Festival, not Losoong; Arunachal Pradesh: celebrates Solung or Losar, not Losoong.
In which city is the 'Kharchi Puja' celebrated as a major tribal and non-tribal festival?
Correct Answer: C. Agartala
• **Agartala** = Kharchi Puja involves the worship of the fourteen deities of the Tripuri dynasty in Agartala. • It is a **week-long** celebration — bringing together people from all walks of life. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Imphal: capital of Manipur, not associated with Kharchi Puja; Guwahati: major city in Assam, not associated with Kharchi Puja; Kohima: capital of Nagaland, not associated with Kharchi Puja.