I come from a typical North Indian family in Chandigarh. The only thing that we appreciate more than a glass of whiskey is a taash party. For weeks before Diwali, taash parties engulf every household (and ruin our sleep cycles). It’s a tradition as closely tied to the festival as lighting diyas. My family, like many others, clears the dining table, brings out the cards, and prepares for long, laughter-filled evenings of Teen Patti. It isn’t just about winning. (Who am I kidding? It’s always about winning.) It’s about the game’s connection to something much deeper — a nod to the past, a wink to fate, and the belief that luck could change with the flip of a card.

Teen Patti has roots that stretch back centuries, finding its place in Indian culture alongside two ancient pastimes: gambling and socialising. The card game is believed to have evolved from ‘Three Card Brag’, a British game introduced during colonial times. While the British eventually left, their card games didn’t, and Indians quickly adapted and made them their own. What emerged was Teen Patti, a game that blended the excitement of chance with a simplicity that made it accessible to all.

But even before Teen Patti’s modern form, gambling was no stranger to India. Ancient scriptures like the Mahabharata recount stories of dice games and wagers. The most famous of these is the episode where Yudhishthira, one of the Pandavas, gambles away his kingdom, his brothers, and even his wife, Draupadi. Such stories etched the concept of gambling deep into India’s cultural and spiritual narrative, making games like Teen Patti a reflection of fate and fortune.

In many parts of India, especially in the north, gambling during Diwali is considered a sacred duty. The belief stems from the story of Goddess Parvati, who, according to Hindu mythology, played dice with her husband, Lord Shiva, on this day. It’s said that she blessed those who gambled on Diwali night, ensuring prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.

This tale has transcended generations, making Teen Patti the game of choice during Diwali festivities. For the weeks leading up to the festival, homes across the country transform into lively parties. Neighbors, friends, and family gather around, placing friendly wagers while celebrating the festive spirit. There’s laughter, there’s the thrill of victory, and at the heart of it all, there’s a shared belief: gambling during Diwali isn’t just for fun — it’s auspicious.

Teen Patti's significance goes beyond religious festivals like Diwali. It serves as a social glue, bringing together communities. For many, it’s a game passed down through generations; played in the homes of grandparents, at weddings, and at any major social gathering.

Growing up, I saw Teen Patti as more than just a game. It was almost a rite of passage during family get-togethers. My cousins and I would sit on the floor, watching the adults at the table, eager to understand the rules and be part of the excitement. And once we were allowed to play, it felt like we’d finally entered an unspoken club: a community bound by tradition, strategy, and that little rush of adrenaline that comes with every hand that's dealt.

Though Teen Patti’s history may have started with royals and the elite, it has now spread to every corner of India. Whether it’s rural villages or urban metropolises, the game unites people. No matter how much the world around it changes, the game remains a beloved fixture during the most auspicious times of the year.

For many, Teen Patti is more than just a casual pastime, it’s a way to celebrate culture, family, and fortune. And in homes like mine, the countdown to Diwali will always be marked by the shuffling of cards.

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