Tradition of Playing Cards on Diwali

In the month of Kartika, Diwali, a five-day festival, is celebrated with great fervor. It is a time when families come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. People focus on important financial activities during this time, making investments and purchases that can shape their future.Homes come alive with lamps, diyas, and vibrant rangolis, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is done to honor Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, believed to bring wealth and prosperity. The hope is that these blessings will last throughout the year.Diwali is marked by prayers, rituals, and delicious food, people also prefer to play cards on this festival. The tradition of playing cards on Diwali has been passed down through generations in many families. This article delves into the tradition and significance of playing cards on Diwali, exploring its history and some popular card games.

The Mythology and Significance of Playing Cards on Diwali 

Playing cards is a highly popular activity during the Diwali festival, and it is believed to bring blessings of wealth and prosperity to the participants. According to the prevailing belief, engaging in gambling games during this festive season is thought to invoke the favor of the wealth goddess, ensuring happiness and stability in the players’ lives.

There is also a mythological legend associated with the practice of playing cards on Diwali. It is said that goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, engaged in a game of dice with her divine husband during this auspicious time. During this game, she proclaimed that those who participate in card games on Diwali would experience growth and prosperity throughout the year. In fact, such is the power of Parvati’s decree that it’s carved in stone inside the 8th-century Kailash temple in Ellora. As such, playing cards has become an integral part of Diwali celebrations across India and the world at large.

In an alternative version of the story, it is said that Shiva, renowned for his competitive spirit, found himself in a tight spot during the game of dice. Not one to accept defeat gracefully, he asked his longtime friend, Vishnu, to help, discovering that even the gods had their alliances. Vishnu assumed control of the dice, skillfully manipulating their outcome in Shiva’s favor. However, when Parvati raised an objection, Vishnu countered with a philosophical twist, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of life, invoking the concept of Maya (illusion). 

In a third legend and the most popular of all, Parvati wins the game. Yet, as fate would have it, she ultimately loses to her own son, Karthikeya, who in turn, loses to Lord Ganesha. This captivating tale not only highlights the dynamics within a divine family but also provides a rationale for engaging in friendly card games with our own loved ones during the festive season. 

 

Diwali traditions revolve around the celebration of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. This festive occasion holds great significance when it comes to financial aspects. It is considered an auspicious time to acquire new assets and make fresh investments. Additionally, shopping and gambling also find a special place in the Diwali celebrations.In an essay titled ‘The Non-Monetary Uses of Money in Hinduism’ researchers at the University of California, Irvine’s anthropology department says: “An unusual custom, which characterizes the festival of Diwali, is gambling, especially in north India. On the other hand, some people claim to gamble on Diwali in order to remind themselves of the fickleness of lady luck (Lakshmi), and to create a sense of balance in the pursuit of material success,” During Diwali, an interesting saying is shared in some regions: “If someone doesn’t play cards on Diwali night, they’ll be reborn as a donkey in their next life.” This belief adds a unique and playful element to the tradition of playing cards on Diwali, highlighting the festive spirit and the significance of this activity during the celebration.

Poker, Teen Patti, and Beyond Popular Diwali Card Games 

Diwali celebrations are synonymous with a lively game of cards, an age-old tradition that adds a unique charm to the festival. Here’s a list of Diwali card games that will undoubtedly elevate your Diwali spirit. Playing cards during Diwali is not just a pastime; it’s a fantastic way to bond with loved ones and embrace some friendly competition. This tradition of card games in Indian households is a cherished part of the Diwali celebrations, bringing families and friends together for a memorable time.

Rummy

Diwali celebrations would be incomplete without rounds of thrilling rummy games, a quintessential addition to festive occasions and wedding seasons. This game encapsulates the essence of fun, entertainment, and excitement, sending a rush of adrenaline through every participant.Indian rummy, known for its fast-paced nature, becomes a test of various skills, including logical thinking, analytical reasoning, and swift decision-making. As the clock ticks away, players are challenged with the task of creating essential combinations, be it sequences or sequences and sets. Success in this game hinges on a player’s ability to quickly respond to their set of cards and outmaneuver their opponents to finish the game before anyone else.

Poker

Poker, a globally recognized card game, has been enjoying a surge in popularity in India, thanks to its online version and its prominent role in Hollywood movies. This thrilling casino game demands remarkable emotional control while offering a healthy dose of entertainment and enjoyment.Played by a dynamic group of 2 to 10 participants, poker deals each player an initial set of 2 face-down cards, known as hole cards. Subsequently, five more cards are unveiled face-up for everyone to see. With these cards in hand, the objective is to construct a formidable 5-card poker hand. Players are faced with two straightforward choices: to place a wager or to abstain.The excitement intensifies when a player decides to bet, presenting three additional alternatives: call, fold, or raise. This intricate dance of strategy and intuition is what makes poker a gripping and strategic game that captures the hearts of players worldwide.

Teen Patti

Teen Patti, a Diwali party favorite, has surged in popularity, owing much of its fame to a Bollywood movie bearing the same name. Heavily influenced by the British card game 3-card brag and sharing similarities with American poker, Teen Patti has captured the hearts of many.In this engaging card game, a gathering of 3 to 6 players awaits their destiny as each player is dealt 3 cards. They confront the thrill of choosing the best hand while cautiously staking their bets into a growing pot. Here, players can opt to cloak their cards as blind players or reveal them as seen players. In the end, it’s the triumphant player who seizes the spoils of victory, claiming the entire pot as their own.

Mastering Diwali Card Games: Rules, Tricks and Etiquettes 

Playing card games on Diwali is like a fun puzzle. The rules tell you what to do, but your clever thinking helps you win. From classic games like Poker to new ones, cards are all about having fun with friends. Let’s learn how to play cards, where each hand is a new challenge, and every card can make you a winner.In a game using a standard 52-card deck, players are dealt three cards each, and the ranking of the cards follows the conventional order, with the Ace as the highest and the 2 as the lowest. Typically, it’s ideal to have four to seven participants for an engaging gaming experience. The game begins with the dealer distributing the cards one by one, ensuring each player has three cards to work with. Players then face the decision of whether to reveal their hand (playing seen) or keep their cards face down on the table (playing blind) before raising the stakes or folding. The objective is to assemble the strongest three-card combination, and the strategic choice of playing seen or blind adds an intriguing element of uncertainty and skill to the game, making it an exciting card game for a diverse number of players.In standard poker, each player bets according to the rank they believe their hand is worth as compared to the other players. The action then proceeds clockwise as each player, in turn, must either match (or “call”) the maximum previous bet, or fold, losing the amount bet so far and all further involvement in the hand.

In conclusion, playing cards on Diwali is a long-standing tradition that carries special meaning. It’s a way to bring good luck and wealth into our lives and a chance to have fun with family and friends. This tradition makes Diwali a time for happiness and togetherness, not just a time for prayers and reflection.

References –

Madhavan, Meenakshi Reddy, and Meenakshi Reddy Madhavan. “Diwali Card Parties Origins in Hindu Mythology: How Shiva-Parvatis Gambling Game Prompted a Festive Tradition.” Firstpost, 7 Nov. 2018, www.firstpost.com/living/diwali-card-parties-origins-in-hindu-mythology-how-shiva-parvatis-gambling-game-prompted-a-festive-tradition-5511471.html/amp.

“5 Best Card Games to Play on Diwali 2023.” https://www.jungleerummy.com/blog/whats-new/card-games-to-light-up-diwali-party, 2 Nov. 2023, www.jungleerummy.com/blog/whats-new/card-games-to-light-up-diwali-party.

—. “Diwali 2017: How to Play Teen Patti This Deepavali Night; Teen Patti Cheat Sheet.” The Indian Express, 19 Oct. 2017, indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/diwali-party-card-games-teen-patti-rules-and-variations-cheat-sheet-3729646.

“eSpiritual: Gambling in Indian Mythology.” https://www.emedinexus.com/post/11524/espiritual:-gambling-in-indian-mythology, 22 Apr. 2019, www.emedinexus.com/post/11524/espiritual:-gambling-in-indian-mythology.