Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION

What is Superstition?
Superstition is considered a widespread social problem. Superstition refers to any belief or
practice which is explained by supernatural causality, and is in contradiction to modern
science. Some beliefs and practices, which are considered superstitious by some, may not be
considered so by others. The gap, between what is superstitious and what is not, widens even
more when considering the opinions of the general public and scientists.
Definition on Superstition.
Oxfards Dictionary defines Superstition as
A widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good
or bad luck, or a practice based on a belief.
Introduction
No matter which part of the world you tour, you will find the people nurturing certain beliefs
and superstitions and India is no exception in this case. Though the Indian society is fast
progressing, there are many people who are still superstitious and have a strong faith in the
local beliefs. Most of the beliefs have originated from Indian religious texts and scriptures.
Dharmsindhu, a Sanskrit scripture, prescribes the day-to-day behavioral patterns for the
followers of Hindu religion without assigning any reason/logic for its directives. The
standard viewpoint is that most of the Indian beliefs have sprung with an objective to protect
from evil spirits, but some were based on reasoning.
Superstition is a belief that can be negated by common sense or scientific knowledge based
on evidence. With the passage of time, the reasoning part behind the origin of these religious
beliefs got eroded. That is exactly why most of these beliefs appear unsubstantiated and false.
However, in reality, there are many such beliefs in the Indians culture which are absolutely
absurd and have no logic behind them.

Origin of superstitions
Superstitions are deemed as pertinent in India and specially in Maharashtra, because these,
generally, hint at future occurrences and can be either good or bad. Thus, anything from the
call of a bird to the falling of utensils is considered an (ill) omen in India. Many of the
traditional superstitions in India are connected with some particular places, certain body
parts, trees, animals, birds and reptiles.
Once upon a time life was extremely hazardous and the central feature of day-to-day
existence was a preoccupation with the explanation for the relief of human misfortune.
Vagaries of climatic and geographical conditions, hostile neighborhood, fear of predators etc
were constant concern of the human society during those days. These things might have
influenced for the superstitious behavior which are being carried till date. Witchcraft,
women wedded to the gods, marked by the evil eye, stars that affect earthly actions these
are just some superstitious phenomena that inspire fear. We can see the superstition, therefore,
as a constancy; a kind of reassurance against fluctuation as though we are part of an
impenetrable mystery with incomprehensible rules. All superstitions remain as outward
expressions of the tensions and anxieties that hold sway over humanity as it struggles down
the corridor of life from birth to death irrespective of education, status and richness.
Perstitious scientists
Scientists are also prone to having their untenable beliefs despite their eminence in their field
of specialization. Even scientists can in matters as religious superstitions. Clearly one
mans belief is another mans superstition. Does education help remove superstitions? Not
necessarily. Education will not help much to eradicate superstition; the latter will merely shift
its ground from time to time without losing appreciably its hold over the human mind. There
will still be that murmuring to intimates, or consciences, that it is after all better to be safe
than sorry: I don't really believe, but . . .
Religion and superstition
Does religion help? Not necessarily. Religion may in fact fuel irrational beliefs. In this
respect no religion is exempt. Some of the most basic beliefs of most religions can be
classified as superstitions if the test of common sense and evidence is applied. The
superstitions were taken for granted and none was dare enough to question them.

Perhaps there is an unshaken belief in miraculous cures, magical remedies and supernatural
phenomena which might have persuaded to remain superstitious even in this age of reason
and scientific progress. As such there is a section of the society which manipulates the minds
of the gullible to their advantage and amass wealth and power exhibiting so called miracles
and supernatural feats under the garb of divine blessings. These Godmen, Babas, Buvas,
Matajis and Maharajas are main transporters of superstitions and have got their stronghold on
Maharashtrian society. Educated and elite class also supports these godmen to protect their
vested interests. This class has completely twisted the meaning of superstition
(Andhshraddha) under the name of faith (shraddha).
Faith and superstitions
One person's faith is a superstition for another and what a third person considers to be a
superstition is a very strong faith, almost a question of life and death for a fourth one. The
faith that does not allow to be questioned on the basis of facts or truth is superstition.
Whether faith is superstition or not can be assessed by using following four criteria:
Verify the facts or the truth. When faith is used in everyday affairs, it generally means
religious faith, faith in the other world or in the liberation of soul from the cycle of birth and
death. While verifying the facts should not be based upon the testimony of words of some
individual, or the testimony of the person or testimony of the book.
Ascertain whether faith adheres to non-violence principle. In any society people have diverse
faiths. They all should be allowed to preach and propagate their faiths as long as they confine
their activities within bounds of propriety. It is tolerance that is rooted in non-violence.
Fear and lure should not weaken the determination to adhere to faith. It should be dynamic.
Faith sublimates value judgment while superstition debases it. Faith should be replaced with
loyalty towards human values, moral principles and ethical behaviour.
Since superstitions do not allow people to think and act rationally, irrational behaviour leads
to heavy losses in terms of money, health, peace of mind and sometimes life also. The
superstitious activities harm the environment. It leads to intolerance and violence which
disturbs the law and order situation in the society. The strong belief in alternate therapies like
psychic healers, faith healers, acupuncturists, homeopaths etc my ruin someone's health
beyond cure. People still believe in miraculous cures offered by witchdoctors and faith

healers (mostly babas and buvas) even though science and modern medicine has gone into
depth about prognosis, diagnosis and cure of most of the diseases.
Eradication of superstitions
How then can we eradicate superstition? As Einstein endorses" Over thousands of years of
evolution, everything has changed except the way we think " . There seems to be something
in the human condition, in the thought process that makes us surrender to superstitions and
to believe in the unbelievable. The primordial emotions of man have remained the same over
millenniafear, greed, hatred, envy, anger, desire. Every religion asks us to conquer these
but to no avail. No Prophet, saint or holy man or woman has made much of a difference to
humanity at large in our conquest of these negative emotions.

List of Sum common Superstitions in India:

1. A black cat crossing your path is a bad omen.

2. Snakes drink milk.
3. Snakes carry a diamond in their forehead.
4. Dont sweep the floor after evening.
5. Dont pluck flowers/leaves during after evening.
6. Spray some water droplets on a person who returns from a funeral.

7. Dont wave your legs sitting on a chair.

8. Dont leave your slippers inverted on the floor.
9. Hiccups indicate someone is thinking of you.
10. Always donate a sum of Rs.101 instead of Rs.100 or Rs.51 instead of Rs.50. The extra
rupee is supposed to bring good luck.

11. Chilli-Lemon everyday outside everything to wards off the evil eye.
12. Menstruating women should not be allowed to enter the kitchen.
13. Girls should not be near the temple when they are menstruating.
14. Dont throw hair strands in the house. It causes quarrel.
15. Dont hand over knife/scissors to a friend. It leads to fight.
16. A wish made while seeing a rainbow or falling meteor is fulfilled.
17. Salt pinch circled around a persons head to ward off evil eyes.
18. Broken idols or out of order clocks in your house bring bad luck.
19. Sleeping with a scissor under your pillow wards off nightmares.
20. Broken glass in the house is not good according to the Vastu shastra.

Impact of superstition and Indian society

Superstitions are a commonly witnessed phenomenon. They can be seen anywhere, anytime,
whether at home, in office or on the way. People of every caste, creed or community are
superstitious. Though the forms of superstition may vary, their presence can be felt in every
society. It is a universal phenomenon. Even the people of highly rational West are
superstitious. It is an integral part of human society.
To stop all of a sudden to see a cat crossing our path is a widely seen phenomenon in Indian
society. It is almost universally believed that this is likely to bring failure to the mission of the
person who is going to cross the road after it first being crossed by the cat. Similarly, the
howl of the dog at the deadly hours of night instills a feeling of horror resulting from the fear
of the death of some near and dear one.
Superstitions have been prevalent in society since time immemorial. They have their origin in
illiteracy, i.e. lack of rational belief, scientific attitude and also lack of faculty to interpret
certain events. Its origin can be traced back to prehistoric times when people did not have
knowledge and exposure as we do have today.
Superstitions are deeply rooted in society. Even with the spread of education and awareness
superstitions could not be driven out of society. They hold the educated and uneducated alike.
It has so strong grip over the mind of the people that despite scientific and technological
advancement they could not make themselves free from them. Their presence is felt all across
the globe despite technological progress made in various fields of life. But the spread of
education has, undoubtedly, acted as a deterrent against superstitions.
Repeated co-incidences helped in rooting the superstitions. For instance, if a person while
going out on a certain mission comes across a particular animal, and by chance he is
unsuccessful, he begins to believe that it was caused by the animal which he happened to see.
If the incident is repeated this is established that animal is a bad omen. Or conversely, success
associated with a series of coincidental happenings also creates a superstition. Indian
religious system also contributed in its propagation, by following totemism. This sometimes
gives superstitions the status and sanctity of religion.

Now they have developed the attitude to see and judge anything on the basis of logic and
reason. Moreover, the fast-paced modern life leaves no space and time for superstitions. A
person cannot heed anybodys sneezing if he had to be punctual on duty and cannot miss his
train or flight. His busy schedule hardly leaves any space for such things. In addition, everincreasing media coverage and peoples accessibility to mass media have helped in creating
awareness against the hollowness and harmful impact of superstitions.
It is ironic that advanced West is not free from the ills of superstitions. In China and other
western countries, number 13 is considered to bring ill-luck. If this number is allotted to a
car, the owner of the car hesitates to drive the car and he is always under fear and tension of
accidents. A person, who gets the house of this number, hardly makes him free from the fear
of death, disease, damage and destruction. Furthermore, passing under the ladder is
considered unlucky by the people of western culture, but this is not the same in case of
Indians.
The mode of practice of superstitions in India is different from that of west. In India it is a
common superstitious practice to hang an ugly fearsome face usually painted on the back of
an earthern vessel to the facade of the house, to save a newly-built house from the evil eye. In
India people do not like to be called from behind or asked a question just as they are setting
out for some work. Hanging artificial black shoes at the back of vehicles-a truck or bus is a
very common sight in India.
Often the superstitions are very frightful and cruel in nature, particularly those related to
human beings. In Indian society, a widows plight is no secret. She is treated as an object to
be hurt and humiliated catching sight of widow while on the way to somewhere is considered
unlucky. Her presence is disliked on some auspicious occasions like marriage.
Superstitions need to be eradicated from the society. Media has a significant role in this
regard. Mass awareness campaign can help in combating this evil. No doubt, education has
no substitute in this regard. Fortunately, the youth of India are not superstitious. They are
educated and keep a scientific temper.
They believe that every action has a cause, and every cause leads to some consequences.
Whatever is not based on rationality and reason should not be allowed to overpower our mind

and create unnecessary fear. If you have worked hard, you cannot fail just because a cat has
crossed your way. Superstitions are baseless and should be given up.

Chapter 2 Research Methodology

What is Research Methodology ?
Research methodology is a systematic way to solve a problem. It is a science of
studying how research is to be carried out. Essentially, the procedures by which researchers
go about their work of describing, explaining and predicting phenomena are called research
methodology. It is also defined as the study of methods by which knowledge is gained. Its
aim is to give the work plan of research.

Importance of Research Methodology in Research Study

It is necessary for a researcher to design a methodology for the problem chosen. One
should note that even if the method considered in two problems are same the methodology
may be different. It is important for the researcher to know not only the research methods
necessary for the research under taken but also the methodology. For example, a researcher

not only needs to know how to calculate mean, variance and distribution function for a set
of data, how to find a solution of a physical system described by mathematical model, how
to determine the roots of algebraic equations and how to apply a particular method but also
need to know:
(i) which is a suitable method for the chosen problem?,
(ii) what is the order of accuracy of the result of a method?,
(iii) what is the efficiency of the method?
and so on. Consideration of these aspects constitute a research methodology.

Types of Research
Descriptive Research is used for the study as it helps fact finding through surveys and
enquiries. The data is collected through primary source , which include questionnaires
personal interview and telephonic interview. Secondary data is also been collected through
internet web pages , magazines , journals newspapers etc.

Objective of the Study

1. To study the awareness about superstition
2. To examine science can explain superstition or not
3. To know where are these superstition common
4. To Analyze the review of people on superstition and their behaviour
5. How to stop being superstitious
6. To offer suggestions on the basis of findings.

Hypothesis
My Hypothesis is that majority people in India blindly believe in Superstitions because of
Lack of Education and Awareness.

Sample
Sampling Design
Stratified random sampling method is used for sampling design in which random people are
selected.

Sampling Size
Sampling size is restricted to 50 & samples are collected in different areas of scope.

Sample Description
Sample consists of all profession which includes students , service, self-employed, business,
retired.

Data
Type of data:

Primary data Data which is observed or collected directly from first hand experience.
Primary data are information collected by a researcher specifically for a research assignment.
In other words, primary data are information that a company must gather because no one has
compiled and published the information in a forum accessible to the public. Companies
generally take the time and allocate the resources required to gather

Sources of data:
The primary data collected consists of all income group people , college students , investors ,
employed , self employed people etc. and profession.

10

Techniques of Data Collection

The sources of data are primary and secondary.
Primary data was collected through questionnaires using survey method.
Secondary data through different websites, articles, journals , news papers , projects report in
college library etc.

Techniques of Data Analysis

Have used excel and graphs, tables and pie diagrams for the data analysis. The use of graphs
and pie diagrams has made the data analysis and interpretation much easier.

Review of Literature
Superstition refers to the blind faith in an idea without giving any consideration to reason,
logic and evidence. Many superstitions have originated in human society on account of
ignorance and fear of the unknown and incomprehensible. They thrive mainly on the greed of
human beings. Many superstitions have disappeared in course of time as well. For instance,
for many centuries lightning, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and epidemics were assumed as
the reflection of Gods anger over the behaviour of human beings. To appease God, many
rituals were carried out. Prayers were offered; fasting was undertaken and offerings were
given to temples and even human sacrifices were made. These superstitions have vanished
gradually during the last two centuries due to development and spread of scientific
knowledge about nature and her manifestations.
History of humankind gives an account of how many superstitions have prevailed and caused
misery to human beings in the past. In the Western societies, during the Middle ages ( about
1,100 to 1.500) thousands of innocent men and women were killed merely on the grounds
that they practised witchcraft. In Medico, during Azetic regime, hundreds of men were
brutally sacrificed every year to appease God. In India, till mid-nineteenth century, thousands
of women were burnt alive in the funeral pyre of their husbands on the superstition that they
11

would live in heaven with their husbands. In addition, human sacrifices were carried out in
both North and South India, either to appease God or to get his favour. Likewise, many
barbaric superstitions existed in India.
Even in this age, numerous superstitions continue in human society. For example, in Western
societies, Friday is an unlucky day and thirteen is an unlucky number. Contrarily, Friday is an
auspicious day to Muslims and Hindus. Similarly, crossing of black cat on ones path is bad
omen in Western countries and India. But, it is a good omen in Egypt. Thus, the kind of
superstitions vary from country to country.
All superstitions are harmful since they inactivate the reasoning capacity of human beings.
Secondly, they arrest human endeavour and initiative. Thirdly they make people waste their
energy, time and money in worthless rituals and ceremonies. There things lead to decline and
decay of civilization. So, we have to be vigilant and guard ourselves against the superstitions.
Belief in auspicious days and time is the other widely prevailing superstition in Indian
society. This superstition has been in existence in human society for a long period. Many
moral preachers such as Buddha, Confucius, Christ and Prophet Mohammed have
condemned this belief. As a result, faith in this superstition is less in the Western and the
Eastern societies. But, this exists widely in India society. According to this belief, a few days
are auspicious and other days are not. For example, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
and Sunday are auspicious days. Tuesday and Saturday are inauspicious days, unfit to
conduct any social functions. Likewise, in a day, different times are auspicious while other
times are inauspicious.
Auspicious day and time are being adhered to while conducting social functions. Auspicious
days for solemnizing marriages are only 55 to 60 days in a year. The rest of the days i.e. 310
days in a year are marked as inauspicious days, not suitable for solemnising marriages.
Believing this superstition, most of the people in the South conduct marriages only on those
days. Not only Hindus but also Muslims and Christians conduct marriages only on those
days. To that extent, this superstition governs the minds of Indians, irrespective of ones
religious conviction.
In India, majority are under the impression that they can peep into their future with the help
of astrology. Even the educated Indians believe the blabbering of the illiterate astrologers. In
South India, bride and grooms birth stars and horoscopes are still the deciding factors for
12

marriages. Even in Kerala where the literacy rate is high, the belief in astrology and
watercraft is at fanatic level. Likewise, faith in numerous superstitions such as palmistry,
numerology, namology, Vasthu etc. is strong in India. In no other society, are the believers of
these superstitions so numerous and make up such a larger percentages in our society. Based
on astrology, people take un-wise decisions and dissipate their energy and natural resources
in useless rituals and ceremonies. These wasteful activities are the great impediments to our
progress.
While the intensity in Indian society is striking, a global survey shows that many
superstitions do prevail in all human societies to some extent. Only their role and impact
vary. Observing these things, a basic question arises as why numerous superstitions prevail
even in this scientific age. To this question, psychologists answer: Everywhere people
assume the existence of powers which could influence their lives for better or worse. To
placate the anger of these forces or to buy their goodwill became almost obsession neurosis.

Chapter -3 Data analysis and interpretation

Questionnaire
Q1. Age of surveyed people.

13

Age Group

27%

33%

20 - 35 years
36 - 50 years
50years & above

40%

The survey was conducted on random sampling basis and hence the age group of the survey
consist of people of various age group between 20 year an above. The survey states that the
age group of the survey sample consist of 40% people who are between the age of 36-50 yrs ,
33% are between the age of 20-35 yrs ,and rest 27% are 50yrs and above.

2 .Qualification.

14

Qualification
Qualification
38%
33%
25%

4%
Graduate

Post-Graduate

Professional

Others

Survey consist of people of different educational qualifications. Survey states that the
qualification of survey sample consist of 38% graduate, 25% post graduate 4% professional
and 33% are others. Others consist of people who are qualified less then graduation.
People with different educational qualification were surveyed in order to understand the
belief of Superstition in various qualified groups.

3. Profession

15

Profession

10%
16%
17%

Student

22%

Service
Self Employeed
Business

35%

Retired

A survey taken on superstition which consist 22% are students, 35% are service people, 17%
are self employed, 16% business people and 10% are retired. Majority of people surveyed
were in Service Profession.

4. Do you know what is superstition?

16

Chart Title
90%
80%
70%
60%

Yes

50%

No

40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

Belief

A survey on superstition in which 77% people know the what is superstition and other 23%
people dont know what is superstition which shows that there are more people aware about
it. Total of 77% people state that they know, what is superstitions which means there is
enough of awareness about it.

5. Do you believe in superstition?

17

Believe

37%

Yes
No

63%

A survey taken on superstition in which sample size is 50 out of which 63% people can
believe on superstition and 37% people cannot believed on superstitions.

6. Reasons for Believing in Superstitions

Reason for Believing in Superstition

% out of 100

Part of Religion, Culture & Traditions

57%

Practised by Adults or Others

13%

Lack of Education

16%

Dont believe in superstition

14%

A surveyed people can give the various reasons for their believing in superstitions in which
57% people can believing on superstitions as part of religion, culture and traditions,13%
people can believed because practised by adults or others,16% people can believed on it
because of lack of educations and rest 14% people says they dont believed on superstition.

7. Do you believe that they can influence our lives?

18

Influence
29%

Yes
37%

No
Don't Know

34%

A surveyed people have their own reviews like whether it can influence their life or not in
which 37% people says that a superstition can be influenced their life, where 34% people
says that superstition cannot influence their life and 29% people says that they dont know
anything about that.

8. Do you think Science can explain Superstition?

Connection of Science & Superstition

% out of 100

Always
Sometimes
Two different things
No Idea

12%
18%
22%
12%

As surveyed taken on superstition in which sample size is 50. In that 12% people says that
science and superstition can always connected, 18% people says that it can be connect only
sometimes, where as 22% people says that it would be two different things where as 12%
people says that they have no idea on these.

9. How do you know about Superstition?

19

Popularity
45%
40%
35%
30%
Popularity

25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Family

Friends

Social Media

Others

After taking a surveyed on popularity of superstition it would be observed that 41% people
have known about superstition from their family, 19% people known about it from their
friends, where as 22% people have known about superstition from various social media, and
18% people known about superstition from other sources.

20

10. Was there any incident in which you went against superstition and what
was the result?

Incident

Good

33%

38%

Bad
Nothing New

29%

As survey taken on any incident in which people get against superstition in which 38%
people says that they go against it but result was good, Where 29% people said that they was
going against superstition and result was bad, where as 33% people where says that they
have nothing new .

21

11.Do you know anything about the origin of Superstitions in your country?

Origin
70%
60%
50%
Origin

40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Yes

No

When I was taking a surveyed on origin of superstitions in which 34% people have know
about the origin about India where as 66% people dont know anything about the origin of
superstition in India.

12.According to you where are superstitions more common?

Location

% out of 100

Rural

46%

Urban

39%

Both

15%

As surveyed taken on where superstition are more common in which 46% people says that as
superstition are more common in rural area, where as 39% in urban area, and 15% people
says that it would be in both the area. Its noted that a superstition would be highest in rural
area.

22

13.Do you believe that if certain thing happens it will change your Luck?

Luck & Superstition

42%

Yes
No

58%

While taking a surveyed it would be observed that if certain things happen then 42% people
believed that it can be changed their luck, while 58% people says that if certain things happen
it cannot changed their luck.

14. Do you think we can stop Superstition?

23

Possibility of Ending

Yes

No

49%

51%

A surveyed taken on superstition a sample size was 50 and it would be observed that 51%
people think that they can stop the superstition where as 49% people think that we cannot
stop to being superstitious.

15.How to Stop being Superstitious?

Ways to stop Superstition

% out of 100

Think for Logical Justification of Events

33%

Show yourself this events have no basis in Reality

27%

Rely on your decisions instead of some stupid belief

21%

Others

19%

While taking a surveyed on how to stop being superstitious ,a people have their different
views on it like 33% people says that if we can think for logical justification of events, 27%
people says that show yourself this events have no basis in reality, where as 21% people says
that relay on your decisions instead of some stupid belief, and 19% people says that there are
many more and other ideas to stop being superstitious.

Chapter 4 Summary, Findings, Recommendations and Conclusion.

24

Summary
Mysterious happenings are all around us today. I personally have done extensive studies in
the histories of many of these superstitions, from the common to the absurd. Science tends to
claim that all superstitions are pointless, and, in some cases, I agree, such as the fear of black
cats, but the fact of the matter is that some superstitions come from a rich pre-Christian
background. Many superstitions have been doubted since the rise of science, but it has been
said that "In spite of advances and science, people are still superstitious." First, today's
superstition is yesterday's magic; second, many people still practice the old ways; and finally,
even common people practice. Superstitions are a part of our everyday lives and always have
been.
First, today's superstitions are yesterday's magic. Magic is the term practitioners use to
describe the direct but subtle influence over reality; magic is a term for stage tricks. Long
before the age of science, magic was a common element in every religion, even Christianity.
Even science in its beginning, was based on old magics like numerology, begun by
Pythagoras, and alchemy. Since then, we have several leftovers from the old ways, my
favorite of which is knocking on wood. The ancient Celts (pronounced Kelts) began this
practice as a way of thanking the wood fairies, who were seen as mostly responsible for good
luck. Today, when speaking of one's good fortune, it is common to knock on wood, though
most people do not know why. Despite science's attempts to turn the old ways into useless or
forgotten

superstitions,

the

remnants

of

them

are

still

around.

Second, many of us still practice magic, roughly 10,000 in America. Collectively, the
religion is known as Wicca, though not all Wiccans practice magic, and not all of those who
practice magic are Wiccan. Obviously, the scientific community would prefer to believe that
we are either insane, delusional, or con-artists, but none of that is true. I have seen magic
work and have done it myself. In fact, my favourite way to gain the trust of a new friend is by
granting him or her one wish, as long as the wish is not too grand; as I said before, magic is
subtle. When the wish comes true, I have a new friend who is willing to do almost anything
for me. Whether scientists like it or not, there are those of us who still practice the old ways
and

take

them

seriously.

Finally, not only do Wiccans practice the old ways, but normal people also use them in their
everyday lives. True, the intent is not there, which is essential to magic, but the practice is.
For instance, placing parsley on meat to prevent food poisoning, planting holly around the
25

house for protection, using basil in food that is meant for a lover to induce lust, and the
aforementioned knocking on wood are all still practices. Whether people know it or not, they
are incorporating the old ways, sometimes in the form of superstition, into their everyday
lives.
In conclusion, science would have people believe that magic does not exist and that
superstitions are the creations of pointless fears, but the fact is that people do practice
superstitions and the old ways, and I have seen them work. In spite of advances in scientific
knowledge, people are still superstitious, and I believe they have a good reason to be. Today's
superstitions are yesterday's magic, people do still practice the old ways, and even common
people practice a little. As it stands now, Wicca is the fastest growing religion in the United
States, so it does not look like superstition is on the way out. Scientists would like to get rid
of the old ideas, but that will never happen.

Findings
Following were the finding from the data analysis on the topic Superstitions in India:

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 There were around 63% people who still believe in Superstitions.

It was believed that rural areas are prone to be following such Superstitions.
Superstitions have become a part of our life, it is hard to convince people that they
have no effect on our life because they have a blind belief in such events.
People still believe that if they go against some superstition they might get into
problems.
It was noticed that superstitions are not backed by scientific reasons behind them.
Superstitions being a part of religion, culture or tradition was found to be one of the
main reason behind its belief. People are educated they know this is wrong but when
it comes as a part of culture they give up and agree on following it.
Origin of some or many superstitions is unknown by people but following it has
become a trend.
People believe that giving logical justification and proving this events wrong or fake
can help reduce the belief in superstitions.

Recommendations
Sacrificing animals in the name of 'offerings to god' is a dastardly act. Such act should
be condemned by all the free thinkers and reformers. This may lead to a lot of
resistance, but it should not be given up and it should be dealt cautiously. The serious
challenge in front of us is to bring a scientific outlook in our minds.

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 Various clubs and seminars can be conducted to throw light on the need to abolish
superstitions from the society. These issues are often best addressed through debates
and discussions. Spiritual leaders, cutting across religions, should be the helmsmen in
creating awareness among the public about various ill effects of superstitions.
The message that "Religion should bring glory to a man's life but not bring him down
to the level of a beast" must be reiterated.
Social media, which is very popular these days, should be instrumental in spreading
awareness about the ill effects of superstitions.
The eradication of superstitions calls for a countrywide campaign involving various
social activists, celebrities, eminent people and reformers.
Changes should be incorporated in the education system so as to prevent the young
minds from getting polluted. Anti-superstition laws must be framed if necessary.
However, mere amendments in law cannot ensure a permanent solution to this
persistent problem. Stringent enforcement of the law, collective responsibility taken
up by government, activists and public play a very crucial role in eradicating
superstitions.
The society is most harmed when rational thinking people keep quiet on this issue. It's
an appeal to all the rational thinking people should come forward and create
awareness among the masses about the evils of superstition. For this to happen, the
entire society has to get awaken and rise up against such practices.

Conclusion
Most of the people have an irrevocable faith in superstitions which are often baseless. People
are often warned of bad omens like "if a black cat crosses their path" or "if somebody sneezes

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before making a start". Superstitions thus have become an integral part of many a people's
lives in our country.
Superstitions should not be confused with 'traditions and customs' that reflect the ethos of a
country and often lead to the upliftment of the society. On the other hand, superstition is a
blind belief which is totally baseless. The origin of superstitions dates back to the ancient
times. As science was not prevalent, people believed in magic and superstitions and wore
amulets to protect themselves. Natural calamities were considered as 'weapons of destruction'
by the demons.
Despite making advancement in science and technology, many a people have strong
conviction about these superstitions. Though there's some improvement since 19th century,
superstitions still hold good to many people in many parts of the country. Illiteracy and lack
of awareness are the main reasons for the superstitions to thrive. Some people endorse these
superstitions out of fear from caste outfits, or due to the apprehension that they may be
outcast from their community.
It's not a child's play to eradicate superstitions from our society which are deeply rooted since
ages. For this change should be brought in the mindset of people through a gradual process. A
lots of efforts are needed to be taken from government or some Corporate bodies or even on
individual level to help reduce the belief in Superstition.
It's high time that people from all walks of life develop a scientific temper to do away with
superstitions. Eradicating superstitions should be taken as a serious challenge, otherwise
superstition free India will remain as a distant dream.

Webliography
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 www.wikipedia.com
http://www.slideshare.net/niyaztvm/a-study-on-superstition-india?related=1
www.publishyourarticles.net/.../articles/an-essay-article-on-the-indiansuperstition/
http://seyedhadiyassin.com/a-dictionary-of-superstitions-oxford-paperbackreference/
"The anti-black magic and superstition ordinance has been promulgated in
Maharashtra". DNA India. 24 August 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
^ "Founder:Dr.

Narendra

Dabholkar".

Nirmoolan Samiti. Retrieved21 December 2010.

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Maharashtra

Andhashraddha

Questionnaire
Q1. Age Group you belong to
20-35 years
36-50 years
50 and above
Q2. Your Educational Qualification

School Education
Graduation & Post Graduation
Professional
Others

Q3. Your Occupation Details

Students
Service
Self-employed
Business
Retired

Q4. Do you know what is superstition?

Yes
No
Q5. Do you believe in superstition?
Yes I believe
No I dont believe
Q6. Reason for believing in superstitions?

Part of religion, culture& traditions

Practiced by adults/others
Lack of education
Dont believe in superstition

Q7. Do you believe that they can influence our lives?

Yes, I believe.
No, I dont.

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Q8. Do you think Science can explain Superstition?

Always.
Sometimes.
2 different things.
I dont know.

Q9. How do you know about Superstition?

Family.
Friends.
Social media.
Others.

Q10. Was there any incident in which you went against superstition and what was the result?
Good.
Bad.
Nothing new.
Q11. Do you know anything about the origin of Superstitions in your country?
Yes.
No.

Q12. According to you where are superstitions more common?

Rural.
Urban.
Both.
Q13. Do you believe that if certain thing happens it will change your Luck?
Yes, I believe.
No, I dont.
Q14. Do you think we can stop Superstition?
Yes.
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 No.
Q15. How to Stop being Superstitious?
Think for logical justification of events.
Show yourself these events have no basis in reality.
Rely on your decision instead of some stupid belief.
Others.

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