Growing up, Diwali always meant an explosion of sweets, new clothes, and that familiar envelope stuffed with crisp notes — always topped with a single rupee coin. At the time, I never thought twice about that extra coin. It went straight into my piggy bank, overshadowed by the larger notes. It was only later I learned that the coin was far from random — it symbolized good fortune and made the gift auspicious.
This little coin captures something bigger: the uniquely Indian way of gifting. Here, giving is deeply rooted in emotion, symbolism, and tradition. It’s less about the object itself, and more about what it represents — the relationship, the occasion, and often, the divine.
Unlike in many parts of the world where gifting is tied tightly to birthdays or holidays, in India, it transcends dates on the calendar. Gifts are given at every stage of life — even before birth — and often, they carry layers of meaning. At heart, Indian gifting is an expression of aashirwaad — blessings. It’s a gesture of goodwill from elders to younger generations, from one family to another, and from individuals to the larger community.
From engagement ceremonies and weddings to childbirth, exams, housewarmings, and career milestones — each is marked with a ritual, and each ritual is marked with a gift. These aren’t one-sided exchanges. They build and reinforce bonds. They say “Badhai ho!” — congratulations, but also, “May there be more such moments.”
And while gifts can be extravagant — jewelry, clothing, or elaborate food — they’re often just as meaningful when simple. What’s important is what they stand for: gratitude, affection, and connection.
Festivals bring out this spirit beautifully. Whether it’s Diwali, Eid, Christmas, or Rakshabandhan, gifting plays a central role. But the act isn’t just about exchanging items — it’s about honoring ties, responsibilities, and emotions that are often felt more than spoken. A sister tying a rakhi on her brother’s wrist is a quiet pledge of trust and love. The brother’s return gift isn’t merely a token — it’s a promise of protection. During Karwa Chauth, the fast a woman keeps for her husband’s wellbeing is returned with gifts that speak to his appreciation. Her mother-in-law’s gifts — known as sargi — create yet another layer of shared ritual.
To an outsider, these gestures might seem ceremonial or even outdated. But within Indian culture, they allow affection, duty, and reverence to take tangible form — without the need for grand declarations.
And then there’s gifting tied not to people, but to time itself. Many Hindus follow a ritual calendar, choosing special dates or muhurat to begin new ventures or make meaningful purchases. Take Akshaya Tritiya, for instance — a day believed to bring never-ending prosperity. On this day, families buy gold, feed the less fortunate, and give gifts that carry religious weight. Coins engraved with Goddess Lakshmi, gold jewelry, or offerings at temples become ways to invite blessings — not just for the giver, but for the entire circle of loved ones.
Occasions like Dhanteras or Makar Sankranti follow a similar pattern. Gifting on these days isn’t just about generosity — it’s about fulfilling a cultural and spiritual duty. These traditions have been passed down through folklore and family stories, linking material exchanges to divine favor.
For many Indians, prosperity, wisdom, and success aren’t purely personal achievements — they’re seen as gifts from the gods. And in response, people give back — to family, to friends, to those in need. This creates a beautiful loop of receiving and sharing, with gifts acting as messengers of goodwill, tradition, and emotional depth.
In India, gifting isn’t a transaction. It’s a shared experience. It’s a way to express what words often can’t: respect, care, and belonging. Whether it’s a shiny gold coin, a box of sweets, or a whispered blessing — it all means something more.
