How Sindhis Celebrate Diwali: Traditions, Lakshmi Puja & Food

For many Sindhi families, Diwali is the biggest celebration of the year. Sindhis have a long history as traders, so the festival of Goddess Lakshmi — the goddess of wealth and good fortune — has a special place in Sindhi homes and businesses.

Quick answer: how do Sindhis celebrate Diwali?

• Cleaning and decorating the home before the festival
• Buying something new — often silver, gold or utensils — on Dhanteras
• Lighting diyas and making rangoli
• Performing Lakshmi puja in the evening of Diwali
• Business families worshipping new account books
• Sharing sweets and visiting elders and relatives

Before Diwali: cleaning and Dhanteras

Preparations start days before. Homes are cleaned, painted or decorated, because Lakshmi is believed to visit clean, bright homes. On Dhanteras, many Sindhi families buy a small piece of silver or gold, a new utensil, or something for the house as a sign of good fortune.

Lakshmi puja on Diwali night

On the main day, the family gathers for Lakshmi puja, usually along with Ganesh. Coins, silver, new clothes and sweets are placed near the deity, and diyas are lit around the house. Practices differ between families and cities, so many households follow what their elders have always done.

Silver coins washed in raw milk

A custom many Sindhi families follow: before Lakshmi puja, the family's gold and silver coins are washed in un-boiled (raw) milk and water, then placed on a thali for the puja. The coins stand for wealth and for Goddess Lakshmi herself.

Touching a coin to the teeth: "Lakshmi aayi, daalidar vayo"

After the Lakshmi aarti, each family member picks up one of the puja coins and gently touches or taps it on their teeth. While doing this they say a line in Sindhi meaning "Lakshmi has come, poverty has gone". Elders also explain a simple lesson behind it: wealth is a blessing, but you cannot eat it.

Hatri puja

A special Sindhi Diwali (Diyari) tradition is the worship of the Hatri (also written Hatadi) — a small structure shaped like a shop, painted with lime and bright colours in geometric designs. The Hatri symbolises the family's shop or business. Families keep sweets, puffed rice and dry fruits in it, and worship it along with Lakshmi. The traditional Hatri is made of clay, and in some homes of wood; many families today buy a ready-made stainless-steel Hatri from the market before Diwali. Children especially love the Hatri, and many families still buy a new one every year.

Other Sindhi Diwali customs

• The broom is not used on the day of Lakshmi puja, so cleaning is finished beforehand.
• Doors are often kept open at night to welcome Lakshmi.
• Sweets made with jaggery, like peanut chikki, are offered in the puja.
• Sai bhaji with rice is a common Diwali meal in Sindhi homes.

New account books for business families

Many Sindhi traders traditionally start new account books (bahi-khata) around Diwali. Even businesses that now use software often keep a small puja for the shop or office, praying for a good year ahead.

Sindhi sweets and food at Diwali

Sweets are shared with neighbours and relatives. Families make or buy favourites such as ghiyar, mawa sweets, dry-fruit sweets and Sindhi papad, alongside festive meals. Each family has its own list, which is part of the fun.

Diwali and marriage in Sindhi families

Diwali is a common time for families to meet. A newly married couple's first Diwali is often celebrated with extra care, and gifts are exchanged between the two families. For families looking for a rishta, festive gatherings are also a time when relatives share suggestions. If you are planning wedding events, see our Sindhi wedding rituals guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do Sindhis celebrate Diwali?

Yes. Diwali is one of the most important festivals for Sindhi Hindus, with Lakshmi puja at its centre.

What is special about Sindhi Diwali?

Sindhis call Diwali "Diyari". Special customs include Hatri puja, washing coins in raw milk, and touching a puja coin to the teeth after the aarti.

Is Cheti Chand the Sindhi New Year?

Yes. Cheti Chand, in spring, is celebrated as the Sindhi New Year. Read our Cheti Chand guide.

Looking for a Sindhi life partner?

SindhiJodi is a Sindhi-only matrimony site. You can join free, browse Sindhi brides and grooms, and choose your own photo privacy. Photos are checked automatically, and ID verification is optional — members who complete it get an ID Verified badge.