Daily Quiz: Celebrate Durga Puja, Navaratri & Dussehra

When the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, homes across India burst into colour, rhythm and devotion. Durga Puja, Navaratri and Dussehra – three festivals that, while distinct, share a common thread of triumph, reverence and community.

Durga Puja, especially in West Bengal, is a visual feast. Massive pandals rise like temporary temples, each trying to out‑shine the next with intricate designs, glowing lights and, of course, the magnificent idol of the warrior goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Just a few weeks later, Navaratri spreads its nine‑night celebration across the country. In Gujarat, people gather for garba and dandiya; in the south, homes are adorned with mango leaves and devotional songs echo through the streets.

The climax arrives on Dussehra, the day when the victorious axe falls. In many towns, you’ll see towering effigies of Ravana burned, fireworks painting the sky, and, in Mysuru, the iconic Jamboo Savari – a regal procession of caparisoned elephants carrying the deity in a dazzling parade.

Speaking of elephants, here’s a quirky question that’s been making the rounds on social media: Which legendary tusker, having turned 60 years old in April 2026, was granted a special permit to join the Jamboo Savari this year? The answer is Gajendra, the beloved Mysuru elephant whose dignified gait and calm demeanor have won hearts for six decades.

Ready for a few more brain‑teasers? Try these:

• Which day marks the culmination of Durga Puja, symbolising the goddess’s return to her celestial abode?
• What is the traditional sweet dish prepared during Navaratri in Maharashtra, made from wheat flour and ghee?
• During Dussehra, the burning of Ravana’s effigy symbolizes the victory of what over what?

Take a moment, jot down your answers, and see how you fare. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a curious newcomer, these questions are a gentle reminder of the rich tapestry of customs that bind us together.

And if you’re ever in Mysuru during October, keep an eye out for Gajendra leading the Jamboo Savari – a living piece of heritage that perfectly captures the spirit of Dussehra.