List of superstitions in India

The following are the common superstitions of India.

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

Astrology

• Rahukaalam (or Rahu kala) is an inauspicious period of time every day.
• A person born under the influence of Mars is called a manglik or having Mangal Dosha. People avoid marrying such a person, especially if the person is a woman. Marriage with such a person is believed to cause marital discord and divorce, even sometimes death. However, it is believed that if two mangliks marry, the effects of both cancel out.

Animals

• It is believed that snakes can drink milk. During the festival of Nag Panchami, snakes are captured and force-fed milk. As a result, several thousand snakes die annually.
• To see a peacock before a journey is considered auspicious.
• In some parts it is believed that if 3 lizards come towards you, it is sign of marriage but if 4 or more lizards come towards you, it is a sign of upcoming death.
• If a black cat or simply a cat crosses ones way, it is treated to be a sign of bad luck.

Luck and auspiciousness

• Adding one rupee to a gift sum is auspicious, i.e., sums like 21 or 101 rupees are considered more auspicious than say 20 or 100.
• There are several methods of warding of an "evil eye". Lemon-and-chilli totems are a common method.
• Mothers put kohl on their babies' face, to ward off evil eye, by making it imperfect.
• In some parts of India, it is considered inauspicious to sweep the floor at night.
• Widows are considered inauspicious in many parts of India.
• Saturdays are considered very inauspicious, as it is associated with the god Shani (Saturn).
• It is believed that looking in a broken mirror may bring bad luck.
• People don't shave, get a haircut or cut their nails on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday believing that it will invite bad luck.

Ghosts and other supernatural beings

• Peepul trees are believed to be the abode of ghosts and they are avoided at night. Banyan trees are also believed to be inhabited by malevolent spirits.
• Spirit possessions are also reported frequently in India. Exorcisms may be used to ward off the spirit.

Witchcraft

• Belief in witches is common in some parts of India. Witches are believed to capable of killing cattle and humans, destroying crops and causing illness. Witch-hunts have been known to happen.
• In parts of Jharkhand, it is believed that if the name of a witch is written on a branch of a Sal tree, the branch would wither away. Witchcraft is illegal in India.

Sexuality and reproduction

• It is believed that masturbation may cause health problems including impotence.
• Dhat syndrome is culture bound syndrome where the sufferer believes he is losing dhat or semen in urine.

See also

• Culture of India
• Superstition in India

Further reading

• Abbott, John (1932). The Keys of Power: A Study of Indian Ritual and Belief. Taylor & Francis. 560 pages.
• Oman, John Campbell (1908). Cults, Customs and Superstitions of India.
• Russell, R.V. (1916). The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India (four vols.). London.
• Thurston, Edgar, C.I.E. (1912). Omens and Superstitions of Southern India.