The Myths and Superstitions of India

Undoubtedly myths, folk tales, stories which pass on from generation to generation are so very common in India. Along with that, superstitions also constitute a major part of our lives. I'm sure you must have heard of this statement: One man's belief is another man's superstition. All barriers are broken when it comes to superstitions. All you need is a panditji or a swamiji or a fakir to tell one that his mars is strong or bad period (shani) is reigning over him…that’s it! The person would leave no stone unturned in performing all the rituals that are required to be performed to set off the good period in his life.

  Unfortunately, many fail to realize that the same amount of dedication and conviction if applied in other aspects of life would do them much better. But the social evils in India are entrenched so deeply that cutting one rope would not be sufficient. Superstitions and the caste system go along at the same line with the people from the higher caste considering the lower caste people as untouchables.

  We, as the people of India have moved ahead in all aspects of life. So, why is it that it is so difficult to let go of our faith, beliefs and superstitions? We hear cases of daughters being sold off only because some swamiji has told the family that it would bring good luck to the clan. But these are certain serious offences which in times of today, are serious crimes overlooked by the society.

  On the other hand, the less serious superstitions which I would call stupidity include not passing by if a cat has cut across your way. Similarly, one should not cut nails or wash hair on specific days in a week. The reason behind the above is because they are considered to be inauspicious.

  As a 6-7 year old I had asked my mother - "Tell Me Why??" I guess, no parents would give a proper answer to their children for such question in those days.

Elderly ladies in my family have always said that there was a lot of wisdom in those beliefs which we call myths today. I had made a list of superstition followed blindly in India: 

1.Not to weep the floor after sunset.

2.Switching on the lights in the evening while chanting the name of God.

3.Not cross over or jump over the legs of a person who is sitting or lying down. This one may have a logic, as a person moving may loose balance. 

4.Never cross the road if a black cat has crossed the road before you.

5.Not washing clothes, not shaving or not buying oil/iron or not eating non vegetarian food on certain days of the week.

6.Dreams are believed to be one major indicator of the future happenings in our lives.

7.A sack full of rice will be spoilt when touched by women in periods! it will also get spoilt if touched by women after having sex .

8.Never ask the question "where are you going? " while they are leaving house, its purpose will not be fulfilled.

9.Unusual winking of eyes is a symptom of ill, luck or decease.

10.Taking a teaspoon of curd with litle sugar before exam will bring good luck.

11.While leaving home, sighting a widow or a barren woman is not lucky.

12.When there is a birth or death in the family, the members are not supposed to go to a temple or light a lamp at home, for 15 days.

13.Footwears keeping upside down brings fights in family. 

14.Wearing of white clothes by a married woman is considered inauspicious.

15.If you hear a dog whining at night it will bring bad luck, especially when some one in your family or neighbourhood is sick.

16.Many people do not make payments on Fridays, except giving small coins to beggars.

17.If you see an elephant on your way while going somewhere, your purpose of going will be fruitful. It is believed that Lord Ganesh, the elephant God of Indian mythology, removes all the obstacles on the way. 

18.If the girl's horoscope is matching well with the boy's horoscope, when they get married, they will have a successful married life.

19.To avoid seeing anything unpleasant in the morning, many people look at the palms of their hands as soon as they awaken and recite this invocation: "In the tips of the fingers resides Goddess Lakshmi; in the middle, Goddess Saraswathi; in the palm of the hand resides Goddess Parvathi; looking at my hands, I begin my day.

  There are still many more.In today’s context, do such practices really matter? Is one already destined or an individual makes his own destiny? When it comes to Indians and the removal of these superstitions, it would merely question the very existence of the people.

  What do you think about it? What superstitions you have followed or questioned in your life? Do you think there was any wisdom in the myths we carry along with us generation to generation?  Have you ever tried to think about the possible logic about the common beliefs your mother always told you?

  All in all, this is an issue of debate which would not end in the near future. All one can do is fight by spreading education and awareness. So, the shackles could only be broken when the chains are let loose. And the lock could only be opened with a key which is literacy and knowledge here.