Playing cards on Diwali is considered auspicious for the households. In usually every household, cards are played on the eve of Diwali and friends and relatives are invited to play with the family members. There are a number of myths behind the real reason for playing cards or gambling on this festival.
- There is a widely known belief that if you do not play cards on Diwali, you will be reborn as a donkey.
- The tradition of cards playing cards on this day is primitive and started with the game of dice which is now called poker. From dice, the game shifted to Teen Patti or Flash and Rummy.
- According to a legend, Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva played dice and won and lost to each other. The game symbolises the cycle of the creation and destruction, fragmentation, and unity.
- It is also believed that those who play cards on Deepawali will prosper throughout the coming year.
- It is considered auspicious to play cards on this day. The Diwali week proves to be a big business day for casinos, clubs and gambling houses.
- The real reason behind playing this game is to bring good luck, prosperity and balance in material needs.