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As you sit down to relish a delicious meal, have you ever thought about the intriguing food superstitions that have been a part of our Indian heritage for generations? These beliefs, deeply ingrained in our culture, subtly influence our daily lives, often without us even realising it.
In this article, we take a personal journey through some of the most fascinating food superstitions that prevail in our country, handed down by our ancestors. Let’s explore the unique customs and traditions that were devised hundreds of years ago and yet continue influencing our everyday lives even today.
Eating Curd and Sugar for Good Luck
Do you remember your mother feeding you a spoonful of dahi and shakkar before an important exam or interview? This age-old practice is believed to bring good luck and success. The logic behind this superstition is that curd, being a probiotic, has a cooling effect on the stomach, while sugar provides a soothing sensation. This combination helps calm your nerves and ensures a positive outcome in your endeavours.
Avoiding the Use of Left Hand While Eating
In our local culture, using the left hand for eating is often frowned upon. This superstition stems from the belief that the left hand is associated with impurity and ill-fate. As a result, many people in India strictly adhere to using their right hand for eating, even if they are naturally left-handed.
Spilling Salt
Have you ever been told that spilling salt brings bad luck? This superstition is prevalent not only in India but also in many other cultures around the world. It is believed that salt should be dissolved in water before being discarded to avoid attracting negative energies. Additionally, salt should be stored in closed containers, as keeping it in an open bowl is thought to absorb negative energies.
Eating from a Cracked Plate
Using a cracked or chipped plate for eating is considered unlucky in many Indian households. It is believed that eating from such a plate can lead to discord and disagreements within the family. To maintain harmony, it is advised to discard any damaged crockery.
No Whistling While Cooking
Whistling while cooking is considered inauspicious in some parts of India. It is believed that doing so can attract snakes to the household. To avoid any unwanted visitors, it is advised to refrain from whistling during meal preparation.
Offering Food to Crows
Feeding crows is a common practice in India, as they are believed to be the messengers of our ancestors. Offering food to crows is considered a way to honour and seek blessings from our forefathers. This practice is especially prevalent during the Hindu festival of Pitru Paksha, when people pay homage to their ancestors.
Borrowing Milk after Sunset
It is considered inauspicious to borrow milk from neighbours after sunset in some households. This superstition is rooted in the belief that borrowing milk after dark can lead to financial troubles and poverty. To avoid any misfortune, it is advised to borrow milk during daylight hours.
Turmeric in a Red Cloth
Turmeric, a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine, is also known for its spiritual and medicinal properties. It is believed that keeping turmeric wrapped in a red cloth can ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. This practice is often followed during religious ceremonies and rituals.
Avoiding Non-Vegetarian Food on Tuesdays and Saturdays
Many Indian homes abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as these days are considered sacred in Hinduism. It is believed that eating meat on these days can bring bad luck and displease the gods.
The Forbidden Khichdi on Thursdays
Khichdi, a simple dish made from rice and lentils, is considered inauspicious when consumed on Thursdays. This superstition is based on the belief that Thursdays are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, who are associated with wealth and prosperity. Eating a humble dish like khichdi on this day is thought to bring financial troubles.
These peculiar food superstitions in India offer a fascinating insight into our cultural beliefs and practices. While some of these superstitions may seem bizarre or baseless, a lot of people believe them and practice them with utter devotion and dedication. Whether one chooses to follow them or not, these traditions serve as a reminder of our country's diverse tapestry of beliefs and faiths.
