Janamashtami, a time for women to play cards

Palanpur, Gujarat, Sep 3 (UNI) The Janmashtami spirit brings in a preoccupation of playing cards for the women of the state, especially of Saurashtra, Kutch and north Gujarat region.

In north Gujarat, one comes across gambling jargons such as 'Blind' 'Pass', 'Pair', 'Colour', 'Trail' in almost every alternate house .

''Lord Krishna and gambling must have some link, or else why should cards be played on his birthday?'' queried Jaishriben.

Jaishriben is the organiser of an Anganvadi at the nearby village. She and scores of others like her are enjoying themselves since last Saturday and the bonhomie will continue till two days after Janmashtami.

''Thanks to the State Government for declaring a holiday today,'' said Phalguni who remains present here every year to play cards though she has been married in Deesa, 27 Km from here. Her mother, sisters and others from her neighbourhood too play the cards.

''It is strictly for ladies of our own maholla,'' Phalguni added.

The favourite game for them is 'Teen Pati.' A housewife Krishnaben said she believes playing cards as akin to a sacred ritual. ''If one does not play on Janmasthami it sounds ominous.'' Yogini who hails from Kutch says ''We do not play only for money or personal profit.'' A lot depends on luck in the game of cards as many women select a particular place and change it if luck does not favour. Similarly, colour of dress one wears, partners and direction count a lot for fortune in the game. Every bit of the decor can support luck.

Narrating her last year's experience Nayana said, ''You will not believe I won more than Rs 2,000 by the blessings of Goddess. I will offer prashad this time.'' A limited amount is involved in the game that can sometimes last for the whole night depending on the players.

Niranjanaben and many like her believe in religious significance of gambling. The game, however, will last only for a couple of days more. On Janmashtami it will not end before the clock strikes 12 signifying the birth of Lord Krishna.

Gambling with cards is easier for the ladies. Mona, younger sister of Jaishri said, ''Lord Krishna too would have preferred cards to chopad and other physical exercises.'' UNI