Taash Parties

A taash (card) party is  a ‘get-together’ of a group of friends and family around Diwali.

A variety of card games and games of chance are played.The most popular is Teen Patti (three-card brag). The bets can range  from petty cash to lakhs of rupees.

Taash parties are loud and colourful family affairs where everyone dresses up and wagers money and makes merry as the food and drink flows.

The tradition of gambling on Diwali has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva and being pleased with her winnings ,decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. So this tradition of gambling on Diwali continues even to-day. This episode has been immortalized in stone in the 8th century Kailashnath Temple in Ellora.

Also many Hindus believe that gambling, especially,during Diwali invokes Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, who may then shower blessings on the player’s household for the rest of the year.Thus the urge to host and partake in gambling activities.The popular belief is that if one hesitates in taking part in these games, it invites ill luck.

Also it is believed to be lucky to gamble on Dhanteras, and even more lucky to lose.

Unless you have a gambling problem or are in dire straits financially,go ahead and wager a bit this Diwali season.Keep it a fun exercise to get together with friends and family. If you would be wealthy, relationships are really very important. However do remember the old Chinese adage that goes, “If you must play decide on three things in the start: the rules of the game, the stakes and the quitting time.”The idea behind indulging in a bit of gambling during Diwali is to increase your aptitude to risk money, to make some more in times to come.So go bet a bit if, you keep your head and have some good luck you could end the day a little richer than you began it.