The idea of ‘reason’ and ‘questioning’ took root after the renaissance. It is this scientific reasoning which has ousted superstition from its authoritative governance of our lives.

Superstitious beliefs or practices are defined as those considered irrational or fantastical. For instance, in the African tribe Umuru it is believed that a raw egg deliberately left on the ground carries the misfortune of the keeper which transfers to the one who steps on it. In India, it is widely believed that it is unfortunate to be crossed by a black cat. Superstitious beliefs are not geographically constrained to India but holds grip across the globe.

People have always required a sense of fear to maintain order in society. And the supernatural somehow appealed most to our race.

We have brought together some of these superstitious beliefs pertaining to India in the following pages.