Superstition in India

Overview

Superstitions are usually attributed to a lack of education. But, in India educated people have also been observed following beliefs that may be considered superstitious. 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, as a result introduction of new prohibitory laws often face opposition.

Sati

According to Commission (Prevention) of Sati Act 1987, Sati is defined as the act of burning alive or burial of a widow (or any women) along with the body of her deceased husband (including relatives, or object belonging someone like that), irrespective of whether it was voluntary. After he watched the Sati of his own sister-in-law, Ram Mohan Roy began campaigning for abolition of the practice in 1811. The practice of Sati was abolished in British India in 1829 by Governor General Lord William Bentinck. Although it has been therefore illegal in India for almost two centuries, some incidents have been recorded in recent years.

Death of Roop Kanwar

On 4 September 1987, 17 (or 18) year old Roop Kanwar of Deorala village in Sikar district in Rajasthan, who had been married for only 7 months, burned to death on her husband's pyre. It was alleged that the victim had tried to escape, but she was drugged and forced on to the pyre. On 1 October 1987, Rajasthan legislative assembly passed an ordinance against Sati, which was later turned into an Act. It was followed by pro-Sati rallies and protests in Jaipur. On 3 January 1988, the Indian parliament passed a new law, Commission (Prevention) of Sati Act 1987, based on Rajasthan's legislation of 1987. This act also criminalised glorification of Sati. Police charged her father-in-law and brother-in-law of allegedly forcing her to commit the act, but they were acquitted in October 1996.

Human sacrifice

Although, human sacrifices are not prevalent in India, rare isolated incidents happen occasionally, especially in rural areas. In some cases, human beings have been replaced by animals and birds. But after backlash from animal rights groups, in some places they have been replaced by human effigies. The beliefs behind these sacrifices vary from inducing rainfall to helping childless women conceive. It is alleged that some cases often go unreported or are covered up. Between 1999 and 2006, about 200 cases of child sacrifices were reported from Uttar Pradesh.

Astrology and fortune telling

Astrology plays a great role in people's lives in India. People consult astrologers to decide names for their new born children. People compared horoscopes before marriage and marriage only between couples with compatible horoscopes. Marriages and other functions are conducted at auspicious times (muhurta) specified by astrologers. Several politicians also reportedly go to consult astrologers before important decisions.

Criticism

U. R. Rao, former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation, has criticised astrology noting that astrology is more popular than astronomy, which may be affecting India's recognition in science. Meera Nanda, historian and author, has written that India cannot become a superpower in science, unless it eradicates its various superstitions including astrology. Others who have criticised astrology include, Jayant Narlikar (astrophysicist),P. M Bhargava (founder of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology), Ram Puniyani (former IIT professor) and Yash Pal (physicist and educator).

Defence

Ashis Nandy, political psychologist, has argued that astrology should be considered a science and it is considered superstition only due to modern science being defined from a western viewpoint. In the Judgement, Supreme court of India in 2004, said that teaching of 'Jyotir Vigyan' can under no circumstances be equated with teaching of any particular religion.Court further said that it was for the pupil concerned to select any particular field or subject in furtherance of his future career, and merely because the subject has got its basis or origin traceable to some cult, it cannot be held that the same would only result in propagation of a particular religion.

Historical predictions

Challenges and empirical tests

Godmen and faith healers

The word godman is a colloquial blanket term used for charismatic spiritual leaders in India. Locally, they may be referred to as baba, swami, guru, shastri, bapu or bhagat. Many of them claim to have magic or psychic powers and perform miracles. On the other hand, some only provide spiritual advice. There are also female gurus. Many of them are worshipped by their followers as avatars or living gods. Many of them belong to ancient ascetic lineages or claim to be successor to some previous spiritual predecessor. Some of them have built large pan-Indian or international networks. Their recent success has been attributed to the use of mass media and public relations techniques.

Notable persons and incidents

Criticism

Sanal Edamaruku, president of the Indian Rationalist Association, has criticised TV channels broadcasting shows featuring godmen. Narendra Nayak, president of Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations, has stated that politicians patronising godmen serves to sanction superstitions of the general public. Nayak has also debunked several so-called miracles of godmen like psychic surgery, materialising vibhuti, money, jewellery, and fire eating. He travels through villages demonstrating the tricks behind these miracles.

Solar and lunar eclipses

There are several superstitions associated with solar eclipses. Solar eclipses are associated with war, violent events and disasters. Any cooked food considered to have become impure during the event; they are thrown away or given to beggars. People don't eat or cook food during the event. Temples are closed before the event and reopened after the event is over. Many shops also remain closed. It is also believed that asuras are worshipped during the period. Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors. It is considered inauspicious to give birth during the event. Solar eclipse are also said to cause miscarriages Other people also avoid venturing outside. It is believed that the sun rays become toxic during the event and a bath must be taken after the event. Indian stock exchanges also observe a drop in trades during eclipses. There are some reports of disabled children being buried neck-deep in sand or mud in hopes of curing their disabilities. Similar beliefs exist around lunar eclipses, where food is avoided and people refrain from venturing outside. Rationalist organisations have been trying to eradicate these superstitions by organising events during eclipses, where people are encouraged to drink water and eat food.

Triple eclipses

It has been claimed by some astrologers that years with three eclipses have brought great disasters in the past, including the fall of Dwarka supposedly in the year 3031 BCE. Before the solar eclipse of 22 July 2009, D. K. Hari, an astrologer, published a book called Will History Repeat Itself? Triple Eclipse of July 2009, which was released by the Art of Living Foundation. The citing events from Hindu mythology and history the book claims disasters and wars supposedly coincided with three eclipses. The author clarified that this book is not a doomsday prediction, but points to parallel events in the past. The year 2009 had three eclipses, two lunar and one solar, visible from India. Sanal Edamaruku, the president of Indian Rationalist Association, rejected such claims saying astrologers are merely seeking to enhance their business. The director of the Nehru Planetarium, N. Rathnasree, also discredited any cause for apprehension, citing that eclipses are not a new phenomenon.

Witch-hunts

Some people, mostly in villages, have the belief that witchcraft and black magic are effective. On one hand, people may seek advice from witch doctors for health, financial or marital problems. On the other hand, people, especially women, are accused of witchcraft and attacked, occasionally killed. It has been reported that mostly widows or divorcees are targeted to rob them of their property. Reportedly, revered village witch-doctors are paid to brand specific persons as witches, so that they can be killed without repercussions. The existing laws have been considered ineffective in curbing the murders. In June 2013, National Commission for Women (NCW) reported that according to National Crime Records Bureau statistics, 768 women had been murdered for allegedly practising witchcraft since 2008, and announced plans for newer laws.

Recent cases

Between 2001 and 2006, an estimated 300 people were killed in the state of Assam. Between 2005 and 2010, about 35 witchcraft related murders reportedly took place in Odisha's Sundergarh district. In October 2003, three women were branded as witch and humiliated, afterwards they all committed suicide in Kamalpura village in Muzaffarpur district in Bihar. In August 2013, a couple were hacked to death by a group of people in Kokrajhar district in Assam. In September 2013, in the Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh, a women was murdered and her daughter was raped on the allegation that they were practising black magic.

Vastu Shastra

It has been compared to China's Feng Shui.

Notable incidents

Criticism

Narendra Dabholkar, rationalist and anti-superstition activist, considered Vastu Shastra a superstition and had built his house against Vastu principles. Others who have criticised it include Jayant Narlikar (astrophysicist), Alan Sokal (physics professor and perpetrator of the Sokal hoax) Innaiah Narisetti (chairman of Center for Inquiry, India). and Uttam Chintanippula an Indian rationalist.

Animal and bird sacrifice

The ritual sacrifice of animals like goats and buffaloes is observed around some festivals among followers of some deities. Owls are used in black magic rituals, their sacrifice notably spikes around the Hindu festival of Diwali.

On 1 September 2014, Himachal Pradesh High Court, responding to multiple petitions, prohibited animal sacrifices in the state. The verdict was challenged in the Supreme Court of India. On 8 October 2014, the Supreme Court rejected to the petition.

On 17 October 2014, the Supreme Court directed the Government of India to prevent smuggling of animals into Nepal. It has been estimated that 70% of the animals sacrificed in the Gadhimai festival come from India.

Menstruation taboo

Menstruating women are considered impure. In many places, they are not allowed to cook or enter temples during their periods.

Widows

Widows are considered inauspicious. Some consider it bad luck to see a widow first thing in the morning. Many are driven away by their husband's families, who want to prevent them from inheriting any property. Many of them migrate to the holy city of Vrindaban in Uttar Pradesh. It is estimated that 5000–6000 widows live in the city.

1995 Hindu milk miracle

On 21 September 1995, a Ganesha idol in Delhi was reported to have drunk the milk offered to it. Soon, as the news spread, similar phenomenon were reported from all over India and a few from abroad. Other idols, like those of Nandi and Shiva, were also reported drinking milk. The price of milk soared due to shortage and policemen had to be placed at temples to maintain order. Yash Pal, scientist and educator, called it an illusion. National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) scientists demonstrated that it was caused by capillary action by mixing red dye with the milk.

2001 University Grants Commission announcement

On 23 February 2001, University Grants Commission (UGC) of India, a government controlling body for higher education, announced that it had decided to provide non-recurring grants of ₹15 lakh (about US$30,000) to universities to establish Vedic astrology and some other related courses in colleges. About 35 universities expressed immediate interest.

This drew strong criticism from Indian scientists. Hari Gautam, then chairman of UGC, defended the move by claiming that Nobel laureate scientist C. V. Raman considered astrology to be science. S. Ramaseshan, physicist and nephew of C. V. Raman, expressed dismay and stated that C. V. Raman actually considered astrology to be irrational. About 100 scientists from various institutes signed a statement demanding Hari Gautam's resignation as the chairman of UGC. P. M. Bhargava, founder of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, was upset that not many from scientific community were condemning that move, especially the Indian National Science Academy. He later filed a series of petitions in various courts. Yash Pal criticised the move in strong words, the well-known physicist and former UGC chairman, said that he was unopposed to the introduction of such courses in private institutions but he was against use to public funds for such courses. Sanal Edamaruku, president of Indian Rationalist Association, condemned this move and called the use of public funds to teach astrology a "crime against Indian society".

In 2006, Delhi University introduced Jyotisha (astrology), Ayurveda and Vaastu Shastra in the third year Bachelor of Arts, Sanskrit syllabus, as compulsory subjects.

2012 Sanal Edamaruku and the Jesus statue incident

On 10 March 2012, Sanal Edamaruku investigated a so-called miracle in Vile Parle, where a Jesus statue had started weeping and concluded that the problem was caused by faulty drainage. Later that day, during a TV discussion with some church members, Edamaruku accused the Catholic Church of miracle-mongering. On 10 April, Angelo Fernandes, President of the Maharashtra Christian Youth Forum, filed a police complaint against Edamaruku under Indian Penal Code Section 295A. In July while on a tour in Finland, Edamaruku was informed by a friend that his house was visited by the police. Since, the offence is not bailable, Edamaruku decided to stay in Finland.

Worldviews and Opinions of Scientists in India (2007)

In 2007, a survey was conducted by the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture of the Trinity College with the help of Center for Inquiry (India) called "Worldviews and Opinions of Scientists in India". 1100 scientists surveyed from 130 institutes. 24% admitted to believing that holy-men can perform miracles and 38% believed that God could perform miracles. 50% believed homoeopathy to be effective and 49% believed in the effectiveness of prayers. Whereas belief in faith healing was 16%, in Vaastu it was 14%, and in astrology it stood at 14%. 31% strongly disapproved introduction of astrology courses in universities. 33% strongly disapproved the tradition of seeking blessings of Tirupati before rocket launches. However, a majority of them agreed that the aim of development of scientific temper, which is a fundamental duty according to the Constitution's Article 51A (h), is not being fulfilled. Y. S. Rajan commented on this saying that most Indians don't feel there is a dichotomy between science and spirituality. Other the hand, Innaiah Narisetti, chairman of Center for Inquiry (India) and Pushpa Bhargava, the former director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, pointed out the lack of scientific temper among Indian scientists.

Superstitions at Workplace (2012)

In a survey, titled "Superstitons@Workplace", carried out by a staffing company called TeamLease in 2012. The survey covered 800 companies in 8 cities. 61% of respondents admitted to believing in a superstition and 51% admitted to following a superstition at their workplace. 48% believed that these practices had a positive effect on their productivity. It was noted that managements didn't object to the practices as long as it didn't affect productivity. Most practices were related to Vaastu Shastra or Feng Shui, but other personal practices were also observed. 80% of female employees were comfortable with the practices being followed in their workplace, while it was 68% for males, and 63% admitted thinking that female employees are more superstitious.

Article 51 A (h), Constitution of India

The Article 51 A (h) of the Constitution of India, lists "to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform" as a fundamental duty for every Indian citizen. Rationalist Narendra Nayak has argued the Article 51 A (h) is contrary to IPC 295A and the constitution should be held over to IPC 295A. There has been calls to implement this article more widely (e.g., 2011 Janhit Manch vs Union of India, Bombay High Court).

Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954

This act prohibits advertisements of magical remedies, like amulets or spells, for certain diseases. The law lists 56 of these diseases. The law also curbs sales and promotion of so-called miracle drugs and cures. But, the law is rarely enforced and several such products are freely available to the public. The law is considered severely outdated as 14 of the diseases in the list are now curable, and newer diseases like AIDS are not on the list. Some advertisements of these categories are also known to appear on cable television channels without much repurcussions. Proposed amendments to this law has also raised questions regarding the status of traditional medicine systems like Yoga and Ayurveda with respect to modern medicine.

Indian Penal Code, Section 295A

The Section 295A of the Indian Penal Code criminalises "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs", it includes "words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations". The offence holds a maximum penalty of three years of prison. It has been argued that this law is unconstitutional under Article 19 (freedom of expression) in the past (e.g., 1957 Ramji Lal Modi vs State of Uttar Pradesh, Supreme Court). It has also been stated by rationalist Narendra Nayak and T. V. Venkateswaran of the Vigyan Prasar that IPC 295A is being used with a very wide definition to prosecute critics of religion, anti-superstition activists and rationalists.

Regional laws

The Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act of 1999 outlaws witch-hunting in Bihar. It has also been adopted by the state of Jharkhand. It carries a sentence of 3 months for accusing a woman of being a witch and 6 months for causing any physical or mental harm. In 2005, Chhattisgarh passed the Tonahi Pratadna Nivaran Act. It holds a sentence of 3 years for accusing a women of being a witch and 5 years for causing her physical harm. The upcoming Women (Prevention of Atrocities) Bill of 2012 in Rajasthan also covers witch-hunting. In December 2013, Odisha passed the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Bill which has a maximum penalty of seven years. Also in the same month, the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act was passed in Maharashtra.

2001 P. M. Bhargava vs UGC, Andhra High Court

In 2001, following the UGC announcement of introducing astrology courses in universities, P.M. Bhargava, founder of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and others, filed a petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court against UGC. The court dismissed the case on 27 April 2001, stating that it has no expertise in the subject and thus it cannot interfere unless UGC has clearly violated a law.

2004 P. M. Bhargava vs UGC, Supreme Court

In 2004, P.M. Bhargava and two other petitioners, filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court of India challenging the UGC decision to introduce astrology in universities. It argued that astrology is considered a pseudoscience, several members of the Indian scientific community have opposed the move, and it would undermine India's scientific credibility. The Government of India responded by stating that the course was not compulsory, but optional and several western universities allow astrology as a course choice. It sought dismissal of the case stating that the petitioners' concerns were unfounded. The Supreme Court dismissed the case on 5 May 2004.

2011 Janhit Manch vs Union of India, Bombay High Court

In 2010, Janhit Manch, a non-profit organisation, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Maharashtra High Court seeking legislation to make teaching of scientific temper in schools compulsory, under Article 51 A (h) of the Constitution using Article 266, which defines the powers of the High Courts. It also requested that a disclaimer be added to advertisements about astrology, Vaastu Shastra, Feng Shui, tarot cards etc., under The Drugs and Megical Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, stating that these are for entertainment only. On 3 February 2011, the Bombay High Court disposed the plea citing the 2004 Bhargava vs UGC, Supreme Court case. It further stated that Article 51 A (h) was too vague to be implemented using Article 266.