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All questions of Fairs and Festivals in India for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Consider the following statements.
1. It is the seasonal gathering of the Sikhs and it is celebrated annually
2. It is the celebration of the Sikh new year and birthday of Khalsa Panth
Which of these statements are NOT correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Choudhury answered
Maghi: It is the seasonal gathering of the Sikhs and it is celebrated annually. It is celebrated in Muktsar in the memory of forty Sikh martyrs (Chalis Mukte) who fought with the Mughals. The 10th Guru Govind Singh died while fighting with Wazir khan, the mughal emperor in 1705. The Sikhs take a procession to the site of this Sikh - Muslim War and take a bath in the sacred water of Muktsar. It is celebrated on 14th of January every year.
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Parkash Utsav Dasveh Patshah is celebrated on the birthday of:
  • a)
    Guru Gobind Singh
  • b)
    Guru Arjan Dev
  • c)
    Guru Teg Bahadur
  • d)
    Guru Nanak
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshita Datta answered
Parkash Utsav Dasveh Patshah
Parkash Utsav Dasveh Patshah is a significant celebration in Sikhism that commemorates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. His contributions to Sikhism and Indian society are profound and enduring.
Significance of Guru Gobind Singh
- Last of the Ten Gurus: Guru Gobind Singh was the final Guru in the line of the ten Sikh Gurus and played a crucial role in shaping the Sikh identity.
- Founding the Khalsa: In 1699, he established the Khalsa, a collective body of initiated Sikhs, which aimed to promote equality, justice, and spiritual discipline.
Contributions to Sikh Scripture
- Guru Granth Sahib: Guru Gobind Singh compiled the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, affirming the teachings of previous Gurus and adding his own writings, which include the Jaap Sahib and the Zafarnama.
- Literary Contributions: He was a prolific poet and wrote extensively, contributing to the spiritual, philosophical, and historical literature of Sikhism.
Legacy and Impact
- Martyrdom and Sacrifice: Guru Gobind Singh's life was marked by his commitment to justice and his readiness to sacrifice for his beliefs, influencing countless followers to stand against oppression.
- Cultural Influence: His teachings have inspired various movements for social justice and equality, making his birthday a day of reflection and celebration for Sikhs worldwide.
In summary, Parkash Utsav Dasveh Patshah honors the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, whose leadership, teachings, and sacrifices have left an indelible mark on Sikhism and Indian history.

Consider the following statements about Kharchi Puja.
1. The festival originate from the state of Assam
2. This festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva
Which of the following statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    Neither of them 
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    2 only
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Kapoor answered
Kharchi Puja: This festival primarily originates from the State of Tripura. While it began as a festival of the royal family of Tripura, currently even the common households celebrate this festival. It is celebrated over a period of 10 days and takes place in the month of July each year. 
The word "Kharchi" is derived from the word "Khya" which means "Earth". Kharchi Puja is basically done to worship the earth. All of the rituals are of tribal origin, which includes worshipping fourteen gods and Mother Earth.

Consider the following statements about the Sauhul festival.
1. It marks the beginning of the New Year for the tribals of Chhattisgarh
2. It is celebrated in the spring season to worship Mother Earth
3. It literally means bond of protection
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 only
  • d)
    2 only
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ojasvi Mehta answered
Sarhul: Sarhul marks the beginning of the New Year for the tribals of Jharkhand. It is mainly celebrated by the Munda, Oraon and Ho tribes. Sarhul literally means 'Worship of Sal. It is celebrated in the spring season i.e. in the month of Phagun according to the Hindu calendar. Tribals hold nature in great reverence and Mother Earth is worshipped during the festival. Sarhul is celebrated for several days during which the main traditional dance Sarhul is performed.

Consider the following statements about Diwali.
1. It is more commonly known as 'festival of lights' and is celebrated by all Hindu sects across the country
2. It falls on the day of the Amavasya in the month of Karthik
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Kumar answered
Diwali or Deepawali: It is more commonly known as the 'Festival of Lights' and is celebrated by all Hindu sects across the country and abroad. It falls on the auspicious day of the new moon' or Amavasy in the month of Karthik that usually falls in October or November. There are several Hindu clerics who call it ‘Krishna Chaturdashi'. The ritualistic cleansing of the house or place of business and lightening them up is a way of celebrating the festival. Furthermore, people purchase new clothing and exchange gifts on the day.
There are several auspicious days that mark the coming of Diwali, i.e. the day before the festival is called Naraka Chaturdasi. This marks the win of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka. The next day is the big day of Diwali or the day of Lakshmi Puja. This day is holy for two reasons: it is the day when Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya from his fourteen-year long exile to the forest. It signifies the victory of light over darkness.

Which of the following festivals are celebrated in Assam?
1. Bihu festival
2. Ambubachi Mela
3. Dree festival
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Choudhury answered
Bihu Festival: Bohag Bihu is one of the most popular festivals of Assam and helds for celebrating the Assamese New year. Although the Assamese celebrate Bihu thrice in a year, the Bohag Bihu is the most anticipated one.
The three Bihu's are:
• Bohag or Rongali Bihu
• Kati or Kongali Bihu
• Maagh or Bhogali Bihu
Ambubachi Mela: It is held in the premises of the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati in the State of Assam.
The festival falls in the month of June and is one of the major festivals in North-East India, so much so that it has been dubbed as the ‘Mahakumbh of the East. The festival has been associated with fertility rituals and many devotees come to seek the blessing of a child from the Goddess. Dree Festival: The Apatani tribe that resides in Arunachal Pradesh primarily celebrates the festival currently, more and more tribes have started observing the rituals of the Dree festival. It is celebrated on the 5th of July each year, but the preparations and rituals begin a few days before the actual festival. The festival is one of the biggest celebrations held in the Ziro valley and hundreds of people from villages around the valley congregate here to celebrate.

This festival falls on the last day of the holy month of Ramadan (Ramzan), which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During the month of Ramadan, people fast for the entire day, beginning from the sunrise to the sunset. This process of fasting is ordained in the Muslim law or the Sharia.
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    Eid ul Fitr
  • b)
    Eid ul Zuha
  • c)
    Muhharam
  • d)
    Milad un Nabi
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Pooja Shah answered
The date of the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is calculated after a complicated process, it is set to be on the first day of the month of Shawwal and after the appearance of the moon at the end of the month of Ramadan.
According to the Muslim traditions, the Holy Quran was revealed on one of the odd nights during the last days of the holy month of Ramadan. It is usually calculated to be the 27th day of the Ramadan month. This month is also important for the Muslim calendar because wstorically Prophet Muhammad achieved victory during the Battle of Badr that led to victory of the city of Mecca. Furthermore, the martyrdom of the prophet's son-in-law, Ali occurred on the 21st day of Ramadan (Ramzan).

It is a festival dedicated to the Sun God, who is also considered to be the king of all planets.
It celebrates the movement of the Sun to the northern hemisphere. The festival is also bound to the agricultural cycle followed by most rural agriculture based communities. It is celebrated as a form of thanks giving to the Mother Nature for a good crop that brings prosperity and well-being to the community. During this period, the holy day of Uttarayan is also observed in many parts of the country.
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    Holi
  • b)
    Janmashtami
  • c)
    Dussehra
  • d)
    Makar Sankranti
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Singh answered
It marks the end of winter as the days become longer and the nights become shorter. Many worshippers also take a trip to Ganga Sagar and Prayag to take a dip in the holy water. In some parts of the country, this day is considered auspicious for the buying of cattle and hence Cattle/Bullock fairs are conducted in many part of the country. Usually, the festival of Makar Sankranti falls on 14th of January.

In context of the places and rivers where the Kumbh is held, which of the following are correctly matched?
Place - River
1. Haridwar - Ganga
2. Nashik - Yamuna
3. Ujjain - Shipra
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditya Kumar answered
Place - River Allahabad - At the Confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati Haridwar -Ganga Nasshik (Maharashtra) - Godavari Ujjain - Shipra Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. Every day millions of people come to take a dip in the holy river. The mela (gathering) is held on a rotational basis at four auspicious Hindu pilgrimage sites-Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik-Trimbak and Ujjain, According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan' i.e. churning of the ocean. "Amrit' i.e. drink of immortality was produced and stored in a 'Kumbh' (pot). In the battle of the Devas and the Asuras, Lord Vishnu dropped drops of Amrit while transporting the Kumbh. These places are the four sites where the Kumbh Mela is held. The mela is held once in three years at different places and at any given place after a time interval of twelve years. The exact dates are determined according to the zodiac positions of the Sun, Moon and the planet Jupiter. At Nashik and Ujjain, if the mela is held when a planet is in Leo (Simha in Hindu astrology), it is called as Simhastha Kumbh.

Consider the following statements about Christmas.
1. This day is celebrated all across the world as the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ
2. It falls on the 25th of December every year
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sanjay Rana answered
Christmas: This day is celebrated all across the world as the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ. It falls on the 25th of December every year. The celebrations begin with the Midnight mass that is held at all the churches on the night of the 24th - 25th December, which signifies the birth of Christ at midnight. People visit the church where several programmes are arranged for the devotees to remember the good work of Christ.
People visit each other's houses and exchange gifts. The two rituals attached to the festival are of the Christmas Tree, which is set in everyone's house. It is decorated with lamps, lights and holly. The other myth is of Santa Claus who is supposed to be a harbinger of gifts. People sing carols and distribute sweets and cakes on this day.

Which of the following are correctly matched?
1. Gangasagar Mela - Uttar Pradesh
2. Shamlaji fair - Gujarat
3. Chitra Vichitra fair - West Bengal
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    3 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 2 only
  • d)
    2 only
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
Gangasagar Mela: It is conducted in the month of January-February at the mouth of the river Hooghy in Bengal. A holy dip in the Ganges especially on the day of Makar Sankranti is considered very auspicious by the Hindus. Thousands of pilgrims throng the site. The presences of Naga sadhus lend a unique identity to the fair. Shamlaji Fair: It is celebrated by a tribal community in Gujarat to revere Lord Shamlaji "the Dark Divine" who is thought to be the incarnate of Krishna or Vishnu. Devotees come in large numbers to worship the deity and take a holy bath in the Meshno river. The 'Bhils' have immense faith in powers of Shamlaji who they lovingly call “Kaliyo Dev'. It lasts for about three weeks in the month of November, with Kartik Poornima being the most important day of the fair. Chitra Vichitra Fair: It is the largest tribal fair in Gujarat celebrated mainly by the 'Gharasia' and 'Bhil tribe. The tribals wear their traditional costumes and showcase the local tribal culture. On the Amavasya' after Holi, the tribal women go to the river to mourn for their near and dear departed ones. The festivities start from the next day. Lively dance performances, best of rural handicrafts and exquisite silver jewelry attract thousands of tourists every year.

Consider the following statements about Lui Ngai Ni festival.
1. It is celebrated only in the Eastern Nagaland
2. It is celebrated before the arrival of harvest season
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
Lui-Ngai-Ni Festival: Almost all branches of the Naga tribes celebrate this festival. It is celebrated all over in Nagaland and in some of the Naga inhabited parts of Manipur State too. The festival is celebrated after the end of the harvest season. It falls on the 15 of February every year. It is also rejoiced as the mark for seed sowing season. The festival brings the agricultural branches of Naga tribes closer to the non-agricultural based communities of Nagas. The festival is marked with huge amount of celebration and pomp and show.
It is a festival to bring communities closer and spread the message of peace and harmony. There are several rituals that revolve around the blessing of the seeds before sowing them, so that the harvest would be plenty and safe from diseases. Further, the community gets together to make different delicacies and perform traditional dances and show-off the colours of their particular tribe or clan.

Consider the following statements about Buddh Purnima.
1. Only mahayana Buddhist celebrate this festival
2. This festival is celebrated on Buddha's first moment of enlightenment
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ojasvi Mehta answered
Buddha Purnima: The Buddha Purnima or the Buddha Jayanti is celebrated as the birth annivers Buddha. It falls in the month of April May and is celebrated widely in the par east India. It is called Saga Dawa (Dasa) in Sikkim and Vishakha Puja in the theravada tradition. The main areas of celebration in northern India, is in Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh and Bodh Gaya in Bihar. The celebrations include ritualistic prayers and listening to sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha. The day also includes chanting of Buddhist scriptures, worshipping the image of Buddha and the Bodhi tree and meditation.
Different sects follow different rules like:
• Mahayana Buddhists organize a large procession with gyalings and rabdungs. They also read Kangyur texts.
• The Theravada Buddhists only concentrate on offering ceremonial prayers to the idols of Buddha.

Navapad Oli is a:
  • a)
    Sikh festival
  • b)
    Jain festival
  • c)
    Buddhist festival
  • d)
    Sindhi festival
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ritika Choudhury answered
Navapad Oli: The nine-day Oli is a period of semi-fasting. During this period, Jains take only one meal a day of very plain food. It comes twice a year during March/April and September/October.

Which of these are correctly matched?
Name of the Rath - Name of the God
1. Nandighosha - Lord Jagannath
2. Taladhwaja - Shree Balabhadra 3 Devadalana - Devi Subhadra
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Mehta answered
This is one of the biggest festivals of the state of Odisha. The Rath Yatra or the Chario festival of Lord Jagannath takes place once in a year in the holy town of Puri, the Neelachal Srikshetra. The festival falls on the second day of the month of Ashadha (June/July). The festival is dedicated to three main deities Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Jagannath.

It is one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia. It usually takes place in November on the Kartik Poornima, a day considered auspicious by the Hindus. It is the only fair where large number of elephants are sold
Choose from the following options..
  • a)
    Pushkar Fair
  • b)
    Goa Carnival
  • c)
    Sonepur mela
  • d)
    Kumbh Mela
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Asha Yadav answered
Sonepur Mela

Sonepur Mela or Sonepur Cattle Fair is an annual fair held in the town of Sonepur in the eastern state of Bihar, India. It is one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The fair usually takes place in November on the auspicious day of Kartik Poornima, which is considered to be a holy day by Hindus.

History

The Sonepur Mela has a long history dating back to the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BC. It was originally a trading fair for horses and elephants, which were used for warfare and transportation. Over time, it has grown into a multi-faceted fair with a variety of attractions, including stalls selling handicrafts, food, and clothing, as well as amusement rides and games.

Highlights

The Sonepur Mela is famous for its cattle market, which is the largest in Asia. Here, visitors can see a wide variety of animals, including cows, bulls, horses, goats, and sheep. The fair is also the only one in the world where large numbers of elephants are sold and traded. Visitors can watch as the majestic animals are bathed in the river and decorated with colorful paint and jewelry.

Another highlight of the fair is the cultural performances that take place throughout the day. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance, and theater performances, as well as martial arts demonstrations and magic shows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sonepur Mela is a unique and colorful event that showcases the rich culture and traditions of India. It is an important cultural and economic event for the people of Bihar and attracts visitors from all over the world. The fair is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian culture and traditions, and is a great way to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of this fascinating country.

Chapter doubts & questions for Fairs and Festivals in India - History for State PSC Exams 2025 is part of BPSC (Bihar) exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the BPSC (Bihar) exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for BPSC (Bihar) 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

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