Rolling the Dice of Prosperity: The Forgotten Deepawali Tradition of Pagade and Pachisi

There’s something magical about Deepawali that goes beyond lamps and rangolis. It’s also about games, gathering, laughter.

In many homes in North Karnataka and Maharashtra, a family will pull out Pagade (our Indian Ludo) on Deepawali Festival. Across North India too, Chausar or Pachisi during Lakshmi Pooja feels like a ritual of hope — the dice roll becomes a prayer for prosperity, luck, Shubh Labh.

These games aren’t just for fun. Pachisi, for example, is one of India’s oldest board games — weaving together strategy, chance, storytelling. Wikipedia+2Penn Museum+2

It’s easy to forget these little traditions, but each time we sit together, shuffle tokens, hear the click of cowries, or laugh when someone sneaks ahead — we are reviving something. We’re reconnecting with family, with culture, with something ancient and grounding.

At Roll the Dice, we want to play a small part in that revival. Maybe our board with worn edges, maybe the laughter over a throw of dice — they add up.

If you ever want to read more:

• “The Indian Games of Pachisi, Chaupar, and Chausar” (Penn Museum) — beautiful history of how games were a part of royal courts and everyday life. Penn Museum
• Pachisi on Wikipedia has good origin-stories of how these games evolved over centuries. Wikipedia

May your Lakshmi Puja glow brighter, your dice fall in favour, and every roll bring you closer to joy and togetherness. Happy Deepawali. 🪔

Note on our little Deepawali gesture:

• 20% off on Pagade / Chausar / Pachisi sets for first 100 sets
• 10% off on other products