Sikka Pujan ritual preserves Sindhi cultural identity across generations

Sindhi families in India maintain their cultural heritage through Sikka Pujan, a ritual involving the cleaning and offering of silver coins to Goddess Lakshmi during the Diwali festival.

The practice connects the community to its history of trade and entrepreneurship. While the ritual involves praying for prosperity, it also serves as a way for families to express gratitude for their earnings and hope for future security.

For many, the act of purchasing a new silver coin every year marks a point of continuity between the past and present. The tradition gained importance following the Partition of India in 1947. During this time, many Hindu Sindhi families fled their homes and businesses in Sindh to rebuild their lives in India. By maintaining specific religious customs, food, and language, these families preserved a connection to their homeland despite their displacement.

The ritual acts as a form of collective memory, where the emotional value of the coins outweighs their monetary worth. Women in the community play a central role in passing down these traditions through daily habits and family celebrations. While younger generations may participate in the rituals, there is a growing need to discuss the meanings behind these customs to ensure cultural identity remains intact.

The author encourages families to speak with elders to understand the significance of these practices beyond the material wealth they represent.