Gamblers’ Diwali
Gamblers’ Diwali Shiva and Parvati playing Chaupar : Folio from Rasmanjari Series c.1694-95, attributed to Devidasa of Nurpur. (Miniature painting, The MET) Today is Saturday, and Monday is the big Diwali celebrations night. Diwali is mega Christmas for us Indians. Like Christmas, the preparation for this festival also begins with decorating the house, preparing, cooking, and gorging on a lot of food, especially Indian sweets ( mithai ) and starts days in advance. Yes, there is crazy amount of shopping and serious exchange of gifts too. As are prayers said on the birth of Lord Jesus, for us the worship of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi (for health and prosperity throughout the year) is what gives the day its religious sanctity. Like they do to celebrate Christmas, families follow their own traditions for Diwali as well. Strangely enough, one of these is playing cards or to put it bluntly, gambling. This is done among family and friends and is generally preceded or followed by hear