DIWALI - CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS

Many interesting rituals and traditions have attached themselves to Diwali and one can find a little regional variation in them in different parts of India. However, one of the unique customs of Diwali consists of indulgence in gambling, normally considered a vice, in North India. It is said that while Goddess Parvati was playing dice with her spouse Lord Shiva on this day, she enjoyed herself so much that she said that whoever will gamble on Diwali night would remain prosperous throughout the year. Nowadays, dice has become obsolete and have been replaced by cards. However, many people put a limit to the stakes that can be played, especially for the kids.