It’s that time of the year again, when every Indian household turns into a mini cleaning marathon. Brooms, dusters, and old memories come out as Diwali nears. From long-lost earrings to forgotten toys, Diwali cleaning often surprises us with unexpected treasures. But for one Reddit user, this year’s ‘Diwali safai’ unearthed something far more shocking, Rs 2 lakh in discontinued Rs 2,000 notes!
The Shocking Diwali Discovery That Went Viral
The story first appeared on Reddit under the post titled “Biggest Diwali Safai of 2025.” The user shared how their mother, while cleaning an old DTH set-top box, found a secret stash hidden inside, bundles of Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 2 lakh!
The user wrote, “During Diwali safai, my mom found Rs 2 lakh in old 2000-rupee notes… hidden inside an old DTH box probably kept there by my desi dad back in demonetisation times. We haven’t told him yet. And please suggest how to proceed further.”
Along with the post, a picture showing neat stacks of Rs 2,000 notes quickly caught everyone’s attention. Within hours, the post became a hot topic on Reddit, sparking jokes, disbelief, and even some practical advice.
Internet Can’t Stop Laughing: ‘Feko Mat, Mujhe De Do!’
Netizens were quick to flood the comment section with humour and astonishment.
One user joked, “Bas itna paisa dede bhagwan ki Rs 2 lakh rakh ke bhool jau!” while another quipped, “Feko mat ise mujhe de do, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!”
A curious user asked, “Itne paise rakh ke koi kaise bhool sakta hai???” echoing the thought of many who couldn’t believe such a large sum could simply be misplaced.
Some took a playful dig saying, “Raddi vala de dega 8-10 rupees bdle me,” while another commented, “Bhai 4-5 note mujhe bhej de… apne baccho ko dikhaunga aaj se 10-15 saal baad.”
Can These Notes Still Be Exchanged? Here’s What RBI Says
While the comments were mostly light-hearted, some users offered useful information. A Redditor reminded, “They are still a legal tender despite being phased out. You can get them exchanged only at designated RBI offices with a 20,000 limit.”
Another added, “Just go to your nearest RBI and exchange after filling the declaration form. These Rs 2000 notes are not demonetised, only removed from circulation. But remember to exchange them in smaller batches to avoid any hassle.”
So, if you too find old Rs 2,000 notes during your Diwali cleaning spree, don’t panic, you can still visit an RBI office and get them exchanged within the allowed limit.
Why Rs 2,000 Notes Were Withdrawn
Introduced in 2016 post-demonetisation, the Rs 2,000 note was meant to replenish cash quickly in circulation. However, under the RBI’s Clean Note Policy, the denomination was officially withdrawn in 2023.
Banks had set October 7, 2023, as the final date to exchange the notes. After that, they can only be exchanged at 19 designated RBI offices across India with a limit of Rs 20,000 per transaction.
So technically, those Rs 2,000 notes aren’t “invalid,” but exchanging them now requires a visit to an RBI office, and some patience!
A Diwali Cleaning Story To Remember
What began as a simple household cleaning session turned into a viral internet sensation, reminding everyone that Diwali cleaning isn’t just about dusting shelves, but also uncovering forgotten stories and, sometimes, hidden fortunes.
So, as you gear up for your own Diwali safai this year, keep an eye out, you never know what treasure might be hiding in an old box or drawer!
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.
The Shocking Diwali Discovery That Went Viral
The story first appeared on Reddit under the post titled “Biggest Diwali Safai of 2025.” The user shared how their mother, while cleaning an old DTH set-top box, found a secret stash hidden inside, bundles of Rs 2,000 notes worth Rs 2 lakh!
The user wrote, “During Diwali safai, my mom found Rs 2 lakh in old 2000-rupee notes… hidden inside an old DTH box probably kept there by my desi dad back in demonetisation times. We haven’t told him yet. And please suggest how to proceed further.”
Along with the post, a picture showing neat stacks of Rs 2,000 notes quickly caught everyone’s attention. Within hours, the post became a hot topic on Reddit, sparking jokes, disbelief, and even some practical advice.
Internet Can’t Stop Laughing: ‘Feko Mat, Mujhe De Do!’
Netizens were quick to flood the comment section with humour and astonishment.
One user joked, “Bas itna paisa dede bhagwan ki Rs 2 lakh rakh ke bhool jau!” while another quipped, “Feko mat ise mujhe de do, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!”
A curious user asked, “Itne paise rakh ke koi kaise bhool sakta hai???” echoing the thought of many who couldn’t believe such a large sum could simply be misplaced.
Some took a playful dig saying, “Raddi vala de dega 8-10 rupees bdle me,” while another commented, “Bhai 4-5 note mujhe bhej de… apne baccho ko dikhaunga aaj se 10-15 saal baad.”
Can These Notes Still Be Exchanged? Here’s What RBI Says
While the comments were mostly light-hearted, some users offered useful information. A Redditor reminded, “They are still a legal tender despite being phased out. You can get them exchanged only at designated RBI offices with a 20,000 limit.”
Another added, “Just go to your nearest RBI and exchange after filling the declaration form. These Rs 2000 notes are not demonetised, only removed from circulation. But remember to exchange them in smaller batches to avoid any hassle.”
So, if you too find old Rs 2,000 notes during your Diwali cleaning spree, don’t panic, you can still visit an RBI office and get them exchanged within the allowed limit.
Why Rs 2,000 Notes Were Withdrawn
Introduced in 2016 post-demonetisation, the Rs 2,000 note was meant to replenish cash quickly in circulation. However, under the RBI’s Clean Note Policy, the denomination was officially withdrawn in 2023.
Banks had set October 7, 2023, as the final date to exchange the notes. After that, they can only be exchanged at 19 designated RBI offices across India with a limit of Rs 20,000 per transaction.
So technically, those Rs 2,000 notes aren’t “invalid,” but exchanging them now requires a visit to an RBI office, and some patience!
A Diwali Cleaning Story To Remember
What began as a simple household cleaning session turned into a viral internet sensation, reminding everyone that Diwali cleaning isn’t just about dusting shelves, but also uncovering forgotten stories and, sometimes, hidden fortunes.
So, as you gear up for your own Diwali safai this year, keep an eye out, you never know what treasure might be hiding in an old box or drawer!
Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.
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