7 things you should not gift on Diwali

Diwali is the festival of light, a time of joy, and a day for good food. But, alongside all of the celebration, is another important ritual, and that is giving gifts. Families and friends come together on the night of Diwali and exchange sweets, eat food together and give each other gifts specially curated for them. And while the act of giving is a part of the tradition, it is important to also choose gifts that are appropriate with respect to the festival. There are some items that are best avoided in the form of gifts and especially during Diwali. Here we list seven things you should not gift anyone you love, this Diwali.

Gifting clocks during Diwali is considered inauspicious according to many Indian cultures and beliefs held by people. A working, ticking clock is a representation of time passing away and can unintentionally pass on negative energies. It is also seen by many as an indicator of the amount of time left in their life or how life is shortening with time. And as Diwali is a time to celebrate the present and look forward to a bright future, making clocks an unsuitable gift for the occasion.

The vibrant colors of the Diwali rangoli never have a speck of black in them, and that is because Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness. Gifting or wearing black clothes is seen and associated with sadness, grief and mourning, a time Diwali is certainly not. Thus, it is best if you refrain from giving black clothes or items to people as gifts during the time of celebration.
Meanwhile, white too is considered a colour of mourning in Hinduism. So, wearing or gifting white coloured clothes is also not considered suitable for festivities.

Objects such as knives, scissors, or other sharp tools should be avoided with respect to gifting and especially during Diwali, as gifts. Sharp objects symbolize cutting ties and relationships, which is not the message you want to convey during a time of togetherness and celebration. Thus, it is best to opt for gifts that promote unity, joy, and positive connections among family and friends. So, if you were planning to give a new ‘knife set of 4’ to your best friend, it's best to hold that thought.

Leather products are usually derived from animal sources and Diwali is a festival that celebrates life, compassion and non-violence. Thus, giving gifts made of leather does not exactly align with the principles of Diwali. While gifting is a good thought in general, it is important to make sure that you do not hurt any sentiments or living creatures in the process. It could be a small leather wallet, or a pair of leather, black shoes. It is best to avoid these during Diwali.

While recycling and reusing are commendable practices, Diwali is a time to express genuine care and consideration for others. Gifting items that have been previously given to you can convey a lack of thought and effort in selecting a meaningful present. Plus, when you give away a gift that was initially meant for you, you also give away the energies associated with the gift. So, it's best to take the time to choose a gift for the other person.

While opening a bottle late at night is pretty common during Diwali parties, what is not common is gifting a bottle of alcohol. Diwali as a festival marks and emphasizes purity and spirituality. Gifting alcohol may be perceived as inappropriate, as it contradicts the traditional values associated with the celebration. Opt for non-alcoholic alternatives, such as gourmet juices or festive beverages, to ensure your gift is in harmony with the cultural context.

Lakshmi ji and Ganpati are placed in the house temple during the Diwali puja and are offered lotus flower, silver coins and many more things. It is said that Lakshmi ji and Ganpati ensure a positive flow of energy and finances into the household and protect the people from any losses. Thus, while the intention behind gifting religious idols may be positive, it is essential to consider other beliefs as well. For example, some people believe that gifting these idols can switch the flow of energy and harmony from you to another person. Thus, it is best to avoid gifting idols during the festival.