A Diwali bumper list of puzzling questions
A special editor’s note: Usually, we feature three questions from our quiz master Shantanu Sharma. We’ve upped the ante for the long festival weekend. This week, there are eight questions—and a special prize: A Rs 1,500 Amazon gift card—so you can treat yourself for being a super-smart quiz nerd. The correct answers will be published on Monday. As always, when there are multiple correct answers, we’ll decide the winner using a lucky draw.
The answers: to the previous week’s quiz are at the bottom—as are the winners for the month of October.
About Shantanu: He is a researcher-writer, and has a side hustle as a professional quiz guru. He’d love to hear from you—so send your feedback/suggestions or just say ‘hi’ over at sharmashantanu312@gmail.com or @shantorasbox on Twitter.
How this works: Every correct answer is worth 10 points. If a question has multiple parts, each is worth 5 points. You have until next Wednesday 12 pm to send in your answers to talktous@splainer.in or via DMs on Insta or Twitter.
One: The throne with the idol of the city’s presiding deity is paraded in a grand annual procession. Who are the proud bearers of this throne and what is the name of this celebration that dates back over four centuries? (5+5)
Two: Which occasion brings together 17 uniquely crafted tribal ‘dorms’—and is now celebrating its 25th anniversary? Hint: Think avian.
Three: Connect the following elements to work out an upcoming celebration.
Four: Which campaign started by a Mumbai-based organisation nearly twenty years ago has turned into a tradition due to clever marketing? Hint: It’s an excellent excuse to dress up.
Five: Identify this high-calorie delicacy—the signature offering that shares its name with the seasonal festival.
Six: This is a route map of a road trip through a European country of a group of friends. Which festival did they participate in on their journey, giving a boost to tourism in the region?
Seven: With the quiz's theme in mind, what is the connection between these '80s classics?
a) A Spielberg masterpiece!
b) Don’t tell me you prefer the Jackie Chan version over the OG!
Eight: Take a moment to appreciate the artistic creativity and let me know what event would have been the occasion if you were here.
About last week’s quiz…
Here are the answers to the previous edition of the splainer quiz:
One: Whose stellar sports career does this image reflect? Try counting the boxes—it may help you figure out the answer.
Answer: Rafael Nadal
Rafa will retire after next month’s Davis Cup Finals. To recap: He has won 22 Grand Slam titles—14 of those at the French Open, where he holds an incredible 112-4 record. The image above shows the jersey worn for each title. The Sportstar lists 10 of his career milestones.
Two: Connect the following elements to identify a 150-year-old legacy that may soon fade from sight.
a) Former state-run company formed in London
b) Memorabilia turned artefacts
c) Association fighting for its preservation
Answer: Calcutta trams
Since the first tram hit the tracks on February 24, 1873, Kolkata’s trams have weathered the test of time. Originally horse-drawn and steam-powered, the network was instituted as Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) in 1880. In February 2023, Kolkata marked 150 years of its tram network. Unfortunately, plans to phase out trams, leaving only a heritage loop, are in motion. Advocacy organisations like Calcutta Tram Users Association (last image in the question) are fighting for their survival and heritage status. The state is awaiting the report of the advisory committee formed by the Calcutta High Court before making a final decision.
Three: Which fashionably dressed American is this head of government determined to hold on to as a resident of his nation’s capital? Also, where might she be moving? (5 + 5)
Answer: Emily from ‘Emily in Paris’ and Rome
The hit Netflix series ‘Emily in Paris’ is at the centre of a lighthearted political clash as it relocates to Rome for its upcoming season (or does it?). French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to “fight hard” to keep the show in Paris. On the other hand, Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, pushed back, telling Macron not to meddle with Netflix’s decision, remarking that "it's just not done." Sit back, relax and enjoy this tale of two cities!
And the super quizzers for October are…
How we picked winners: This month, we continue our new system which involves a lucky draw among those with the most correct answers. You can see the lucky draw below:
Here is the leaderboard at the end of October. Congratulations to the lucky three for acing the splainer quiz! We will be emailing you soon with details of your prize—a quarterly splainer sub!
