The Hindu Calendar
14 Grade 5 Religious Education (HRE) questions on The Hindu Calendar, with worked marking schemes. 14 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 markMakar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the movement of the sun and is often celebrated by flying kites. This festival is linked mainly to which of the following?
A. The nine nights of the Goddess
B. The tying of rakhi threads
C. The birth of Krishna
D. The changing of the season and the sun's journey
(1 mark)
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1 markOn the festival of Raksha Bandhan, a sister ties a sacred thread called a rakhi on her brother's wrist. What does this thread mainly represent?
A. Love and protection between brother and sister
B. A sign of the harvest season
C. A prayer for rain
D. The end of the school year
(1 mark)
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1 markThe Hindu calendar is based mainly on the movements of which heavenly body to fix the dates of most festivals?
A. The planet Mars
B. The moon
C. The clouds
D. The stars only
(1 mark)
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6 marksHoli is known as the festival of colours.
(a) State the season that Holi welcomes. (1 mark)
(b) Explain three values or lessons that Holi teaches the community. (5 marks)
(6 marks)
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1 markDiwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Which element of nature is most central to the celebration of Diwali?
A. Water
B. Wind
C. Soil
D. Fire (lamps and lights)
(1 mark)
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6 marksName any three festivals in the Hindu calendar and state one thing that is celebrated or done during each. (6 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Any three festivals, each with a correct associated activity/meaning, 2 marks each: Diwali — lighting lamps/victory of light; Holi — playing with colours/welcoming spring; Raksha Bandhan — tying rakhi/sibling protection; Navratri — nine nights honouring the Goddess; Janmashtami — birth of Krishna; Ganesh Chaturthi — Ganesha's birthday. Accept other genuine festivals.
Question 7
1 markThe festival of Navratri is celebrated over nine nights in honour of which manifestation of the Divine?
A. Lord Ganesha
B. The Goddess (Durga/Devi)
C. Lord Hanuman
D. Lord Surya
(1 mark)
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1 markThe festival that celebrates the birth of the elephant-headed god and involves making and immersing his clay images is called what?
A. Makar Sankranti
B. Holi
C. Ganesh Chaturthi
D. Raksha Bandhan
(1 mark)
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6 marksThe Hindu calendar is based mainly on the cycles of the moon.
(a) State one reason why Hindu festival dates change each year on the ordinary calendar. (2 marks)
(b) Explain two benefits of having a religious calendar of festivals for the Hindu community. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Because the Hindu calendar follows the lunar (moon) cycle, which does not match the fixed solar/Gregorian dates — 2 marks. (b) Any two, each explained: it keeps the community united through shared celebrations; it reminds people of religious teachings and stories; it marks the seasons and times for worship; it passes traditions to the young — 2 marks each.
Question 10
1 markHindus in Kenya celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna during which festival?
A. Navratri
B. Holi
C. Janmashtami
D. Diwali
(1 mark)
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6 marksFestivals in the Hindu calendar often teach important lessons through their stories.
(a) Name one Hindu festival and the value or lesson it teaches. (2 marks)
(b) Explain two ways festivals help pass Hindu traditions to children. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any one festival with a correct lesson, e.g. Diwali — victory of good over evil; Holi — forgiveness and unity; Raksha Bandhan — love and protection between siblings — 2 marks. (b) Any two, each explained: children take part in rituals and learn by doing; stories are told that teach religious values; families gather and elders pass on customs; children learn prayers, songs and foods linked to the tradition — 2 marks each.
Question 12
6 marksDiwali is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar.
(a) State what Diwali celebrates. (2 marks)
(b) Describe two ways a Hindu family in Kenya prepares for and celebrates Diwali. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil (accept the return of Rama to Ayodhya) — 2 marks. (b) Any two, each described: cleaning and decorating the home; lighting rows of diyas/lamps; making rangoli patterns; sharing sweets and gifts; visiting the temple; praying to Lakshmi — 2 marks each.
Question 13
1 markDuring which festival do Hindus play with coloured powders and water to welcome the arrival of spring?
A. Raksha Bandhan
B. Diwali
C. Holi
D. Navratri
(1 mark)
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1 markBefore Diwali, Hindu families thoroughly clean and decorate their homes. What is the main religious reason for this cleaning?
A. To hide from visitors
B. So the neighbours will be jealous
C. To welcome the goddess Lakshmi and blessings into a pure home
D. To sell the house to buyers
(1 mark)
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