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India is a country that has years of history, religion, traditions, centuries-old beliefs and different ways of living. So, it’s not hard to believe that Indian superstitions play a major role in daily life. From how people start their day, to what they avoid until going to bed is something that’s often followed unconsciously. While some beliefs have scientific foundations, some are rooted in mythology and some are narratives passed down through generations. So, here’s a complete guide to the most popular superstitions in Indian, their origin, meaning and why people still practice them. What Is The Meaning Of Superstition The Cambridge Dictionary defines superstition as “a belief that is not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, but is connected with old ideas about magic, etc.” Indian superstitions and beliefs are quite rampant. From amusing to downright bizarre, there are many superstition beliefs in India. Just as a language will have different dialects in different regions, one superstition or belief might be practised in a variety of ways in different regions. While superstitions are usually attributed to a lack of education, well-educated Indians also follow these superstitions quite blindly. List Of The Most Popular Superstitions In India Here are some of the most commonly held Indian superstitions. You can see at least one of them being practised almost every day in most areas. Here’s a closer look at some superstitions in India. Table That Summarises The 20 Most Common Superstitions In India Sl. NoSuperstitionBelief / MeaningWhy People Follow It1Lemon & ChilliesProtects against evil eye (nazar).Cultural symbol of protection; antibacterial logic.2Crow Droppings  Brings sudden good luck.Idea that inconvenience brings future fortune.3Adding 1 Rupee to GiftsSymbolizes continuity and prosperity.“₹1” prevents the amount from ending.4Curd + Sugar Before Going OutEnsures a sweet, successful startCooling effect + instant energy.5Mynah Birds2 birds = good luck; 6 birds = moneyBelief that bird sightings predict destiny.6No Sweeping After SunsetDrives away Goddess Lakshmi.Old habit from pre-electricity days.7No Cutting Nails/Hair on Certain Daysvoid bad luck; avoid angering Shani.Astrology and cultural rules.8Kajal Dot on BabiesProtects infants from evil eye.Traditional nazar prevention.9Itchy PalmsRight palm = money in; left palm = money out.Based on energy flow beliefs.10Avoiding the Number 13Associated with misfortune.Adopted from global Christian belief.11Upside-Down SlippersBrings financial loss or conflict.Household energy belief.12Eye TwitchingMen: right eye good luck; Women: left eye good luck.Future predictions through bodily signals.13Black Cat Crossing PathCauses delays or obstacles.Symbolic omen across many cultures.14Avoiding EclipsesUnsafe to go out or eat during eclipse.Mix of science + cultural caution.15Swallow Tulsi LeavesChewing disrespects Goddess Lakshmi.Tulsi is considered sacred.16Avoid Peepal Trees at NightSpirits are believed to reside there.Strong folklore around ghosts.17Bathe After A FuneralRemoves negative energy and germs.Hygiene + ritual purification.18Breaking a MirrorBrings 7 years of bad luck.Mirrors linked to destiny.19Calling Someone While They LeaveInterrupts their luck or task.Cultural habit around beginnings.20Don’t Buy Black Shoes on SaturdayDispleases Shani; brings obstacles.Astrology-based belief. 1. Lemon nd Chillies To Ward Off Evil Lemon and seven chillies strung together in front of the door. Hanging a lemon and seven chillies strung together in the house at the front door or under the front bumper of your vehicle to protect against an evil eye and spirits is one of the most common superstitious beliefs in India. Belief: Protects from evil eye and negativity. Scientific Reason: Lemon and chillies work as effective natural pesticides and natural antibacterials, thus protecting the home or whichever environment it is hung in. 2. Crow Droppings Brings Luck Crow poop on you is considered to bring good luck. If a crow poop on you, it’s considered good luck. This Indian superstition is based on a belief that if you suffer an inconvenience, you’ll have good fortune in return. Belief: An unpleasant event that will bring good luck. 3. Adding One Rupee To Cash Gifts Adding 1 rupee to gifts symbolizes continuity and prosperity. Giving cash as gifts is common practice in various Indian occasions, ranging from birthdays to weddings and festivals. People in India gift amounts like ₹101, ₹501, ₹1001 instead of round numbers. Belief: The extra ₹1 signifies continuity of growth and prosperity. 4. Eating Curd & Sugar Before Going Out Pot filled with freshly made curd. One of the most common Indian superstitions is to have a spoonful of curd mixed with a little sugar before going out or embarking on a new journey. Belief: A sweet start ensures a good and successful outcome.Scientific Reason: Eating curd has a cooling effect on the digestive system, while sugar adds energy. Also Read: 12 Unique Customs And Traditions In India That You Should Know 5. Spotting Mynah Birds Spotting a specific number of mynah birds brings good luck. The Indian superstition of spotting a specific number of mynah birds or magpies might bring good or bad luck. Seeing one common mynah bird is believed to bring bad luck, but seeing a couple of them is supposed to bring good luck. There is a bonus: If you see six of them together, it means you are going to receive some money. Belief: Specific number ofbird sightings can bring good or bad luck. 6. No Cleaning The House After Sunset Woman sweeping the street outside her home in India. Cleaning or sweeping the house after sunset is believed to drive away the Hindu goddess of wealth Lakshmi. Belief: Avoid sweeping after sunset to keep wealth inside. Logical Reason: When there was no electricity,sweeping at night meant misplacing valuables. 7. Avoid Cutting Hair And Nails After Sunset Cutting your hair and nails after sunset is considered inauspicious. One of the most commonly followed superstitions in India is not cutting your hair and nails after sunset, it is considered inauspicious. Cutting on Thursdays and Saturdays too is said to bring bad luck. It is believed that such an act angers the planet Saturn (Shani), bringing on misfortune. Belief: Cutting nails after sunset or on sacred days displeases Shani (Planet Saturn). 8. Black Kajal Dot On A Baby’s Forehead Young Indian mother kissing her beloved baby. In order to prevent unfortunate accidents, a lot of infants in India have a small spot (or several) of kaajal on their forehead and/or cheeks, even under their feet. Sometimes their eyes are lined with black kaajal too. This is supposed to ward off the evil eye. Belief: Even infants can be the victim of an evil eye, hence protect them from nazar by putting small kajal dots. 9. Itchy Palms Can Predict Financial Movements Scratching an itchy left palm is a sign of money going out. According to Indian superstitions, an itchy palm indicates some internal energy moving to your palms. When your right palm itches, it’s believed money will come in, but when your left palm itches, money may go out. Belief: Palm itchiness predicts financial movement. Logical Reason: Right palm is supposed to be dynamic or active, while the left hand is receptive or inactive. 10. Avoid The Number 13 Fear of the number 13 is a common superstition around the world. This isn’t just among the superstitions in India; fear of the number 13 is a common superstition around the world. It’s said to have originated from the fact that Jesus’ 13th disciple Judas was the one who betrayed him and hence very unlucky. Belief: Globally considered an unlucky number. 11. Upside Down Slipper  Pair of black flip flops. In some Indian households, it is believed that leaving your flip-flops turned upside down will bring bad luck. It can bring arguments, misfortune or even financial loss to the family. Belief: It invites household conflict or financial loss. 12. Eye Twitching  Yes, eye twitching is related to your destiny according to Indian superstitions. But it also depends on which eye twitches, as well as your gender. A twitching right eye brings good luck for men, while a twitching left eye brings good news for women. Belief: Hints at future good/bad events. Logical Reason: typically caused due to stress, fatigue, or excessive caffeine. 13. Black Cat Crossing Your Path A black cat crossing your path is meant to signal that tasks get delayed or postponed. Some even wait till others walk by so that they are saved, the logic behind this is that the others will bear the brunt of the ‘curse’. Belief: Black cat sightings are linked to temporary setbacks. 14. Don't Step Out During An Eclipse According to this superstitions in India, observing the sun during a solar eclipse should be avoided. It is also suggested to not consume anything during the celestial event. Pregnant women are advised to remain indoors during the entire time as well. Belief: Negative energy, inauspiciousness, and potential harm to foetuses. Scientific Reason: Doing so may cause retinal burns or eclipse blindness. 15. Swallow Tulsi Leaves Tulasi is a medicinal plant. This one is a popular Indian belief as our ancestors believed that Tulsi is goddess Lakshmi’s avatar and hence, it is often prayed to as well. The leave of Tulsi Mata is supposed to be swallowed and never chew to not show disrespect to the goddess. Belief: Tulsi is considered sacred and an avatar of Goddess Lakshmi. 16. Don't Go Near A Peepal Tree At Night Peepal tree gives oxygen 24/7. Peepal trees are quite notorious in the Indian society. Our ancestors believed that peepal trees are where ghosts reside and it is considered a dangerous place at night. There are many who believe that if you sleep around this tree at night, the ghosts will kill you. Belief: Association with the supernatural activities. 17. Taking Bath After A Funeral People standing in the banks of the river after performing the last rights. It is believed that when the funeral rites are performed on the body of the deceased, negative spiritual forces, bad luck, or evil spirits can cling to a person. Hence a bath soon after attending a funeral is necessary to wash off negative energy. Belief: To keep off negative spiritual forces. Scientific Reason: Burial grounds arehome to many kinds of bacteria and infections. So, it is necessary to take a bath soon after attending a funeral to wash off unnecessary infections. 18. Breaking A Mirror Shattered glass pieces all over. According to this superstition, if a mirror breaks, it means seven years of bad luck. The curse can only be nullified if one takes the pieces outside and buries them under the moonlight. Also, if an undisturbed mirror in a house suddenly falls and smashes, it means that there will soon be a death. Belief: Seven years of misfortune if a mirror breaks. 19. Not saying Goodbye Before Leaving Portrait of multi-generation family standing in nature and looking at the camera. It’s advisable to not say goodbye to someone or tell them something when they are going out the door. Our ancestors believed that calling someone’s name while they are going is bad luck. If one does so, the person leaving will be unlucky in whatever activity he/she was about to undertake. Belief: Calling someone after they have step out is believed to bring bad luck in their task. 20. Don't Buy Black Shoes On Saturday Shiny black shoes Buying black shoes on a Saturday is supposed to be inauspicious. According to Hindu Mythology, wearing black shoes on Saturdays disappoints Shani (God of justice in the Hindu religion) and this might bring failure and create hurdles in your life. Belief: It’s like displeasing Shani Dev. Suggested Reads: 10 Unusual New Year’s Eve Traditions From Around The World Final Words Some Indians believe that the mysticism associated with the power in inanimate things has considerable influence over one’s life. Some of these superstations in India have been handed down for generations from our ancestors, who are revered to be wise. This is the reason why we can’t seem to let go of many age-old beliefs. Let us know if we have missed any of the most bizarre superstition in India in the comments below! FAQ's What are some good luck superstitions? Some good luck superstitions in India are eating curd before going out for an important task, spilling salt, and hanging lemons and chillies at the gate. What is considered bad luck in India? A black cat crossing the road symbolizes bad luck in India, shaking your legs, eye twitching, a clock that is stuck, and buying black shoes on Saturdays. What are the causes of superstition? Some of the Indian superstitions are followed because of Indian mythology, many are passed down from our ancestors and simply followed out of habit, while some are based on scientific reasoning. Do superstitions in India differ by region, religion or community? Yes, superstitions in India does differ by region, religion, and community.  What customs and beliefs are common in one area may not be the same in other area.

Every year on 18th April, countries around the world celebrate World Heritage Day (International Day for Monuments and Sites). This day is to celebrate human history, heritage, archaeology, and ancient architecture through magnificent monuments. Many nations even offer free entry at popular monuments and sites in recognition of this day. If you are a traveler who loves history or ancient civilization, do take a look at this travel-friendly list of 25 oldest buildings in the World that you can actually visit not just on this day but all year round. From locations to origins, from what makes them unique to must visits, here’s a complete guide to the ancient sites that you can visit. 25 Oldest Buildings: Where They Are Located And Why They Matter Ġgantija Temples, Malta Location: Xagħra, Gozo Island Construction Date: c. 3700 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) These two limestone temple complexes are more than 5500 years old and among the oldest freestanding structures in the world. The site predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids offer a rare look at Malta’s prehistoric Megalithic culture. Knap Of Howar, Scotland, UK Location: Papa Westray Island, Orkney Construction Date: c. 3700 BC Best Time To Visit: summer (June-August) This Neolithic farm on the island of Papa Westray is the oldest surviving building in the UK. It has two adjacent rounded rectangular thick-walled stone buildings with built-in stone furniture. Tarxien Temples, Malta Location: Tarxien Construction Date: c. 3250 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November) This is a multi-chamber megalithic temple site used for ritual sacrifices and for cremation purpose. There is evidence of animal sacrifice at the site which was discovered by archaeologists. Newgrange, Ireland Location: Brú na Bóinne, Eastern Ireland Construction Date: c. 3200 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) Consisting of a large circular mound filled with decorated passageways and chambers, this Neolithic structure is thought to have had religious significance. The massive circular passage tombs are aligned with the winter solstice sunrise. Skara Brae, Scotland, UK Location: Bay of Skaill, Orkney Islands Construction Date: c. 3180 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (April/May) or fall (September/October) One of the best-preserved Neolithic villages in Europe, Skara Brae is one of many prehistoric structures on the Orkney Islands. This stone-built village is often called the “Scottish Pompeii” as it is well preserved under layers of sand. Stonehenge, England, UK Location: Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire Construction Date: c. 3000 BC Best Time To Visit: shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) Perhaps the most famous prehistoric structure in all of Europe, no one really knows what the ring of standing stones at Stonehenge was used for. The iconic stone circle could have been a ceremonial, astronomical, or religious site. Pyramid Of Djoser, Egypt Location: Saqqara Necropolis, South of Cairo Construction Date: c. 2660 BC Best Time To Visit: cooler months of October to April Egypt’s oldest pyramid was built by the Pharaoh Djoser (Zoser). This step pyramid predates those at Giza by more than a century, making it the beginning of massive stone architecture in Egypt. Mohenjo Daro, Pakistan Location: Indus River Valley, Sindh Construction Date: c. 2600 BC Best Time To Visit: November to February One of the world’s earliest urban settlements, this city of the Indus Valley Civilization has sophisticated roads and drainage systems with two storied brick houses and public baths. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt Location: Giza, Greater Cairo Construction Date: c.2560–2500 BC Best Time To Visit: winter months from November to February The three Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. The Great Pyramid, Sphinx, and its monumental royal tomb complexes are truly astonishing in their magnificent scale and grandeur. Ziggurat Of Ur, Iraq Location: Near Nasiriyah, Southern Iraq Construction Date: c. 2100 BC Best Time To Visit: October to March The massive stepped pyramidal stepped temple tower was dedicated to the moon god Nanna. Near the mouth of the Tigris and the Euphrates, in what was the city of Ur. This Neo-Sumerian Ziggurat was partially reconstructed in the 1980s under Saddam Hussein. Karnak & Luxor Temples – Egypt Location: East Bank of the Nile, Luxor Construction Date: c. 2060 BC – 1085 BC Best Time To Visit: October to April Part of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, also called Waset, the temples of Karnak and Luxor as well as the nearby necropolis, the Valley of Kings, are awe-inspiring. Minoan Palace Of Knossos, Greece Location: Heraklion, Northern Crete Construction Date: c. 2000 – 1300 BC Best Time To Visit: spring or fall (April, May, September, October) This sprawling palace complex and nearby city were the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization. The place with a population of 100,000 people was linked to the myth of King Minos and the Minotaur. Abu Simbel, Egypt Location: Lake Nasser, Southern Egypt Construction Date: c. 1264 BC Best Time To Visit: cooler months from October to April Located on the western bank of Lake Nasser, the twin temples were carved into a mountainside by Pharaoh Ramesses II. The temples were entirely relocated in 1968 when they were under threat of being submerged by the Aswan High Dam. Paestum (Poseidonia) Temples, Italy Location: South of Salerno Construction Date: c. 600–550 BC Best Time To Visit: shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October Once a major Greek city, Pasteum (Poseidonia in Greek) is famous for the remarkably well-preserved complex. The three temples in the Doric style were dedicated to Hera and Athena. Tomb Of Cyrus, Iran Location: Fars Province Construction Date: c. 530 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) Part of the ancient settlement of Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great is near the hilltop fortress of Toll-e Takht. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site honoring the founder of the Persian Empire. Persepolis, Iran Location: Near Shiraz Construction Date: c. 522 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) The ancient capital of the first Persian Empire (Achaemenid Empire) was built by Darius the Great. This city would have been known as Pārsa to the ancient Persians. Parthenon, Greece Location: Acropolis Hill, Athens Construction Date: c. 447–432 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) Atop the Acropolis of Athens, this lavishly decorated temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city. While it is still under reconstruction, a full-scale replica can be found in Nashville. Thracian Tomb Of Kazanlak, Bulgaria Location: Kazanlak Valley Construction Date: c. 400–300 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (April-May) or early autumn (September) Part of a larger Thracian necropolis near the ancient Thracian capital of Seuthopolis, this tomb is full of colorful murals representing a ritual funeral feast. Philae Temple, Egypt Location: Agilkia Island, Aswan Construction Date: c. 380–362 BC Best Time To Visit: October through April One of the newest Egyptian temples, it is located on an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam. It was originally built on Philae Island and later relocated. Said to be the burial place of the god Osiris, it also contains a temple for his wife, Isis. Sanchi Stupa, Central India Location: Sanchi Town, Madhya Pradesh Construction Date: c. 300 BC Best Time To Visit: October to March Commissioned by the Emperor Ashoka, the Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest stone structures in India. It houses relics of the Buddha. Mausoleum Of The First Qin Emperor, China Location: Lintong District, Xi’an Construction Date: c. 246 BC Best Time To Visit: spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) Built over 38 years, this vast complex houses the famous Terracotta Army which guard the resting place of Qin Shi Huang (who also built the first part of the Great Wall). Ajanta Caves, India Location: Aurangabad District, Maharashtra Construction Date: c. 230 BC–650 AD Best Time To Visit: winter season (October to March) The 29 rock-cut Buddhist caves were started in the 2nd century BC, and their sculptures and paintings are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Sri Lanka Location: Anuradhapura Sacred City Construction Date: c. 140 BC Best Time To Visit: November to April Built by King Dutugemunu, this Sri Lankan stupa is still active as a pilgrimage site. It was renovated in the early 20th century. Maison Carrée, France Location: Nîmes, Southern France Construction Date: c. 16BC – 4AD Best Time To Visit: spring (May–June) and fall (September–October) Built during the early Imperial period, it is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Colosseum, Rome Location: Near the Roman Forum Construction Date: c. 70–80 AD Best Time To Visit: autumn (September-October) Rome’s most famous classical ruin is located just next to the ruins of the Roman Forum. This world-famous Flavian Amphitheatre seating well over 50,000 people. Colosseum, which is one of the oldest buildings in Europe once hosted Gladiator battles and public events. Why Studying These Old Buildings Matter Studying the world’s oldest buildings reveals few key information like: How early civilizations started. How architecture evolved over the years across continents. How climate, geography, and materials influenced and shaped construction styles. How there has been a global spread of culture, religion, and technology. Also Read: Have You Visited These Historic Indian Buildings? Conclusion These structures are not just relics, they are active cultural, archaeological, or religious sites. From Neolithic villages of Scotland to the grand temples of Egypt, Greece, China & India, the world’s oldest buildings highlight humanity’s shared heritage. If you wish to walk through thousands of years of history and understand what shaped the early civilizations, visiting these sites is a great idea. FAQs About The World’s Oldest Buildings How does World Heritage Day relate to historic buildings? The World Heritage Day (also called International Day for Monuments and Sites) is directly related to historic buildings because on this day its main purpose is to raise awareness about the historic buildings, its fragility and the need to protect and preserve the cultural and natural sites for future generations.  What criteria determine whether a building counts as one of the “oldest”? The "oldest building" title is often debated, however the key criteria for a building to be counted are as below:Definition of “building” (temple, home, tomb)Archaeological datingHow much original structure remainsWhether the building was continuously used. Can visitors go inside most of the buildings featured in the “25 oldest buildings” list? Yes, visitors can go inside many of these listed buildings and structures as they are major archaeological sites and historic tourist destinations. However, check before going as access may vary depending on the building's condition, location, and preservation status.