A take on superstition in India

From breaking mirrors to hanging lemon and chilies, India is a country of diverse culture and tradition, as well as of a lot of superstitions. Superstition is a blind faith which has no explanation. “Superstition”, said Bacon, “is the reproach of the Deity.” Ignorance gives birth to superstition. A major social issue, superstition is any belief or practice which is explained by supernatural causality, an anti-thesis to modern science. Superstitions are usually attributed to a lack of education and knowledge. But, in India even the educated ones have too
been keen on superstitions and its various practises. The literacy rate of India, according to the 2011 census is at 74%.The beliefs and practices vary from region to region, with many regions having their own specific beliefs. The practices may range from harmless lemon-and-chilli totems for warding off evil eye to serious concerns like witch-burning. Some of these beliefs and practices are centuries old and are considered part of the tradition and religion, thus introduction of new Prohibitory laws often face opposition from these practising groups.

Certain superstitions includes not stepping out during an eclipse, superstition about Rahu’s head blocking sun is a story woven around this practise, not go near a Peepal tree in the night, as it’s an abode to various witches and phantoms.to Using lemon and green chilies to avert buri nazar amongst others.

Many superstitions still rule the lives of the backward classes and tribal people. They are ignorant people. But when the educated people fill his life with superstitions, we hardly find any explanation. To conclude, superstition in India is a sequel to fear for the unseen. It seems extremely difficult to erase out from the mind all considerations of a nameless fear, although it is not an unattainable ideal.

Superstitions can only be destroyed by the torch of education. They are the products of darkness. They cannot stand light. As knowledge increases, superstition decreases. An educated man wants to know the how and why of things. He does not accept superstitions are already dying out. But a lot still remains to be done before superstitions are completely done away with.