India is a country where science and technology coexist with deep-rooted traditions and quirky beliefs. Some of these superstitions are fascinating, some are oddly specific, and others just make you wonder, who even came up with this?
From ghosts obsessed with nail clippings to crows acting as uninvited event managers, here are 12 bizarre Indian superstitions that continue to baffle, amuse, and sometimes terrify us.
1. Cutting Nails at Night Summons Evil Spirits
Your grandmother isn’t just against nighttime grooming for fun—she genuinely believes that trimming your nails after sunset will invite dark forces into the house.
The logic? In ancient times, people relied on oil lamps and candles, making nighttime nail-cutting a risky business (because nobody likes losing a toe over a manicure). But today, with LED bulbs brighter than your future, the only real danger is getting scolded for ignoring tradition.
Still, if ghosts are truly attracted to nail clippings, does that mean haunted houses are just giant pedicure parlors?
2. Hanging Lemon and Green Chilies Keeps the ‘Buri Nazar’ Away
Every shop, car, and office in India proudly flaunts a nimbu-mirchi charm as if it’s the latest fashion trend. The belief? This spicy-sour combo wards off the evil eye and bad luck.
Scientifically, the smell of lemon and chilies can repel insects, but does it really scare away jealous neighbors or vengeful spirits? If so, why stop at just one? Why not cover your whole house with lemons and declare yourself Buri Nazar-Proof™?
3. A Crow Cawing Means Unexpected Guests Are Coming
Imagine you’re relaxing at home when suddenly a crow starts cawing loudly. Your mom instantly declares, “Mehmaan aa rahe hain!” (Guests are coming!)—and starts preparing extra chai and snacks.
But have you ever noticed that this superstition never specifies who the guest is? Could be your long-lost cousin, an annoying neighbor, or just the Swiggy delivery guy who’s about to become family because of how often he comes over.
Either way, the crow gets no credit for its incredible forecasting skills. It’s basically the OG Indian Alexa.
4. Sweeping the Floor After Sunset Sweeps Away Wealth
If you ever feel like cleaning your house after dark, prepare for dramatic gasps and urgent warnings from your elders. According to this belief, sweeping at night will drive away Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth), leaving you broke and miserable.
The real reason behind this superstition? In the olden days, people didn’t have bright lights, so sweeping at night meant accidentally losing small valuables like coins or jewelry.
But in today’s well-lit homes, the only thing you’ll truly lose by sweeping at night is your will to continue this conversation.
5. Eating Curd Before an Important Task Brings Good Luck
Before an exam, interview, or even a first date, your mom hands you a spoonful of dahi-shakkar (curd with sugar) as if it’s a cheat code for success.
The science? Curd cools the stomach, and sugar provides instant energy—making it a great pre-event snack. But let’s be honest, if curd was the key to success, we’d all be CEOs by now.
Still, it’s worth a try—because who wouldn’t want to ace an exam and enjoy a delicious spoonful of luck?
6. If a Black Cat Crosses Your Path, Turn Back Immediately
Ever seen an entire roadblock form just because a black cat decided to cross the street? In India, people would rather be late to work than risk walking into bad luck territory.
This superstition likely started in ancient times when black panthers and leopards roamed freely—spotting a dark feline meant real danger. But today? Poor black cats just want to mind their business while humans create detours like it’s a car rally.
If only the cat knew it had the power to control human traffic!
7. Shaking Your Legs Brings Financial Ruin
Sitting on a chair, minding your business, and absentmindedly shaking your leg? Congratulations, you’ve just insulted Goddess Lakshmi! According to superstition, shaking your legs means shaking away your wealth.
The real reason behind this belief? It’s probably just an old-school way to stop people from looking restless or fidgety. But considering how our bank accounts look these days, maybe it’s time to start vigorously shaking both legs and see if we can reset our financial situation.
8. If Your Right Eye Twitches, Good Luck Awaits (But if It’s the Left, You’re Doomed)
Your eye twitches, and suddenly you’re wondering—Am I about to win the lottery or get hit by a falling coconut?
In India, right-eye twitching is a sign of good fortune for men but bad luck for women. Left-eye twitching? Flip the rules. No scientific explanation, just pure gender-based confusion.
Meanwhile, doctors say eye twitching is just stress, fatigue, or too much screen time. But sure, let’s blame fate instead.
9. Keeping Your Wallet on the Floor Will Keep You Poor
If you casually toss your wallet onto the floor, expect your elders to look at you like you’ve personally offended the economy. This belief states that money kept on the ground leads to financial instability.
Historically, this might have made sense—placing valuables on the floor made them easier to lose or damage. But in today’s digital world, where half of us don’t even carry cash, where do UPI payments go? Straight to the floor of bad luck?
10. Sleeping with Your Head Facing North is Asking for Trouble
According to Indian superstition, sleeping with your head pointing north attracts bad energy, disrupts your sleep, and might just invite ghosts for a sleepover.
There’s some science behind this—Earth’s magnetic field interacts with the iron in our blood, potentially affecting circulation. But let’s be real, if your biggest sleep problem is magnetic fields and not scrolling Instagram till 3 AM, consider yourself lucky.
11. An Itchy Palm Means Money is Coming… or Leaving
Feeling an itch in your right palm? Money is coming your way! Left palm? Get ready for unexpected expenses.
But what if both palms itch? Should you prepare for a jackpot or an economic crisis?
Fun fact: Dry skin, allergies, or even mosquito bites might be the real reason behind that itchy palm. But hey, we’d all rather believe a money miracle is on the way!
12. A New Bride Must Kick a Pot of Rice to Bring Prosperity
The first challenge a new bride faces in India is not adjusting to a new family but successfully kicking a pot of rice inside the house. The idea? The farther the rice flies, the more prosperous the family will be.
While this tradition symbolizes abundance, imagine the pressure—what if the rice just falls flat? Is there a retry button? Does a video assistant referee (VAR) check the kick?
Conclusion – Superstitions That People Still Believe
Indian superstitions are a delightful mix of ancient wisdom, creative imagination, and good old-fashioned fear-mongering. Some have logical origins, while others remain a mystery. Whether you follow them religiously or laugh them off, one thing’s for sure—they make life a lot more entertaining!
So, the next time a crow caws, your palm itches, or your eye twitches, take a deep breath, embrace the drama, and enjoy the rollercoaster of Indian beliefs!
