divali. 97
old woman replied, “No, no, I will not let you in; you have never bothered about
me before. Why should I take pity on you?” But Lakshmiji pleaded with her. So the
old woman asked her, “If I let you in, will you promise that you will never leave and
will always stay in my house? If you promise me that, I will let you in.” Lakshmiji
replied, “Yes, yes, I promise. I will not leave your house ever.”
At the same time Diladdar was shouting himself hoarse to be let out. The old
woman told him, “You promise that you will never come anywhere near my house
again. Only then will I let you out.” “I promise, I promise,” cried Diladdar.
Quickly, the old woman opened the door, and immediately Lakshmiji en-
tered. Seeing her, Diladdar became more frightened, and he just fled into the
darkness.
Very soon, the old woman summoned back all her children, who had gone away
to other towns in search of food and money, to come and live with her, and they
returned, and everyone lived happily ever after.After the story is finished, all members shower the puffed rice that they have been
holding in their hands on Lakshmiji and Ganeshji, saying loudly, “Get out, Dilad-
dar. Lakshmiji has come (Nikal Diladdar Lakshmi aayee),” repeating this thrice.
The lady of the house then takes one chaugara cup, places the prasad on top of it,
and gives it to each member present. This can be done in two installments because
fruit and sweets have also to be given as prasad, and it is difficult to give everything
all at once. Each member then takes a little puffed rice from the prasad and puts it
inside the hatri, in which a silver rupee has already been placed. The hatri symbol-
izes the home; and the silver coin, the wealth of the house being saved inside it. The
gesture of putting puffed rice (kheel) in the hatri is symbolic of India’s basic iden-
tity as an agricultural country, and of the members of each household bringing their
share of produce into the house.
The diyas from the puja are then taken to light the diyas or candles already placed
around the house and on top of it. These diyas are lit only after thepuja. The first
diya is placed where one throws the garbage; the belief being that there is prosper-
ity in a house where there is a lot of garbage. Pujan should be started at dusk, as the
diyas or candles are lit after thepuja. Fireworks are brought out, and the children
join in the fun and frolic with all the noise and light from the phuljharis (“flower
pots”) and other crackers. Fireworks are also distributed to the servants and their
children, so that there is universal enjoyment. Then start the feast and card games,
which are the “order of the night.” One can carry on for as long as one likes. In some