Superstition

The culture of every nation includes irrational superstition. It is relatively easy to identify the superstitions of other cultures, much more difficult for your own.

Some Indian superstitions

 * To perform Karni, Bhanamati,
 * To perform magical rites in the name of supernatural power,
 * To offer ash, talisman, charms etc. for the purpose of exorcism and to drive out evil spirits or ghosts,
 * To claim possession of supernatural powers and to advertise this claim,
 * To defame, disgrace the names of erstwhile Saints/ Gods, by claiming to be there reincarnation and thus cheating the gullible and God-fearing simple folks.
 * To claim to be possessed by divine power or evil power and then perform miracles in the name of such powers.
 * To punish and to beat mentally ill patients in the belief that they are possessed by evil spirits.
 * To perform Aghori rites.
 * To perform so called black magic and spread fear in society.
 * To perform "Gopal Santan Vidhi" to beget a male offspring.
 * To oppose scientific medical treatment and to coerce to adopt Aghori treatment.
 * To sell or deal in so-called magic stones, talisman, bracelets, charms.
 * To become possessed by supernatural powers and then pretend to give answers to any questions in this mental state.
 * To sacrifice innocent animals for the appeasement of gods or spirits.
 * To dispense magical remedies for curing rabies and snake bites.
 * To dispense medical remedies with claims of assured fertility. "This is palmistry! Numerology, palmistry, astrology, these are sciences! The law cannot ban them."

External links and further reading

 * "Battling Superstition, Indian Paid With His Life"
 * Johannes Quack, Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India, Oxford University Press, USA (November 22, 2011), trade paperback, 380 pages,