Why Sammoo village in Himachal Pradesh doesn't celebrate Diwali

India Oct 18, 2025

In Sammoo village, Himachal Pradesh, Diwali has been off-limits for generations.
The reason goes back centuries: after a pregnant woman performed sati while preparing for Diwali, a curse was believed to fall on the village, warning that any celebration would bring misfortune or even death.
Since then, Diwali here is a quiet night—no fireworks, just a few diyas, and a lot of caution.

The curse's reach and lasting impact

Villagers say the curse doesn't stop at the village border.
Families who move away report bad luck if they try to celebrate Diwali elsewhere, making the story of the pregnant woman a powerful part of Sammoo's identity.
Even in 2025, the tradition holds strong, showing how one tragic event can shape a community's beliefs for centuries.