1. Name of the paper: Technical report writing & language practice lab HU-481
Name of the project: ‘Superstition’ a big curse
Department: ECE
Year: 2nd year (4th sem)
List of participants: Shreya Das( )-109003140
Saurabh Kumar(76)-10900314076
Sanjana Singh(69)-10900314069
Shubham Bahaduri( )-109003140
Date of submission: 19/04/2016
Remarks: Teacher’s Signature:

2. ‘SUPERSTITION’ A BIG
CURSE

3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my teacher (Name of
the teacher),who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project
on the topic superstition, which also helped me in doing a lot of research and
we came to know about so many new things. I have taken efforts in this
project. However, it would not have been possible without the kind support
and help of many individuals. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all
of them.
I am highly indebted to ( ) for their guidance and constant
supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the
project and also for their support in completing the project.
I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to industry persons
for giving me such attention and time.
My thanks and appreciations also go to my colleague in developing the
project and people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.

4. CONTENTS
 Acknowledgement
 Superstition –An
overview
 Introduction
 Common
superstitions
 Effect of superstition
 Case study
 Remedial Actions
 Conclusion

5. SUPERSTITION-AN OVERVIEW
 Superstitions consist of beliefs and practices, which have no evidence to
support them, and are inconsistent with the degree of enlightenment reached by
a community. Their level of enlightenment or understanding is not raised to the
higher level of knowledge available in the present world, to raise this they have
to think rationally. And to create rational thinking one has to adopt a scientific
attitude. The science is the best instrument to stimulate the rational thinking
and investigation of knowledge and experience acquired so far. This does not
mean that rational thinking is a right of learned people only. The rational
thinking is a born instinct in every human being, which is suppressed
throughout the ages. There are many doctors, engineers, leaders and even
scientists who are learned people and sufficiently enlightened persons yet they
believe in superstitions. By their untenable attitude, common people are
confused but ultimately follow them. This act of contradiction is inconsistent
with their enlightenment and as such they can be called superstitious. The
second reason for many learned and knowledgeable people being superstitious

6. They couldn’t use science in practice and interlink it with matters of
superstitions to investigate the truth behind it. They couldn’t really
understand it without some guidance. In general superstitions are considered
as product of religious matters. Religion never changes whereas science adopts
every new change after proving it. The holding and clinging to old unproven
matter, which is peculiar to the particular place, time or community is also
superstition. Superstition gives birth to fanaticism and fundamentalism. It is
hindrance to progress and development of human beings. It often blackmails
the emotions of a person. The brain of human being evolved has something
‘extra’ than any other species. That is thinking power ,With the help of
thinking power human being has created the civilization and captured whole
world without bothering about other species and even his fellow human
beings . The present civilization is not a better one despite it is modern and
progressive. We will have to create a super civilization by thinking more and
more rationally. This may be possible through by adopting means of
unexploited nature and species around us for producing superior, sustainable,
safe and simple but sufficient material for everyone to live happily. That may

7. .
Introduction:
Superstitions is a part of human life since time immemorial.Superstitions
began centuries ago when our ancestors tried to explain mysterious
circumstances or events as best as they could with the knowledge they had.
Superstitions can be defined as “Irrational beliefs”, especially with regard to
the unknown”.
What is it?
A superstition is a belief that a particular thing, event
circumstance holds some kind of significance that
something going to happen (bad or good) even through
It’ s not based on knowledge or reason.This belief can be
based on fear, ignorance, trust in magic, coincidence, or a prior experience
with a similar situation.

8. .What is the origin of superstition?
Superstition comes from old French or from Latin word super- ‘over’ and stare ‘to
stand’ The idea seems to have been of standing over something in amazement or
awe.
By the time superstition first appeared in English at the beginning of the 15th
century
it refereed to an irrational religious belief based on fear ,or ignorance or to a
religious
belief considered false or pagan. The more general ‘irrational or unfounded belief’
sense
is first recorded in the 1790s.
Most of the superstitions have had their origin in ancient time, when man was at
the
mercy of nature, and they were neither unable to develop the scientific reason for

9. unfortunate event. If it troubled a person and if he don’t find reason for
it then he might try to attribute it to any superstitious belief he believes
in such as the bad luck of Friday 13th.
They feel more in control of their lives. some people believe in
superstitions because they give them more feelings of control.
The human mind works results in the reinforcement of superstitious
beliefs. A person who beliefs that black cats bring bad luck is very
likely to attribute an ordinary bad event, that happens to him often, to
the fact that he came across a black cat before the event happened.
Many superstitions happen out of ignorance of the main causes that
resulted in a certain unpleasant event. A person who didn’t understand
the cause of a certain event could easily attribute it to a superstitions
belief that helps his mind calms down.
• In 18th century London, umbrellas with metal spokes became
popular, and opening them indoors became a hazard. Therefore, it
became common knowledge that opening an umbrella indoors was
considered “bad luck,” though this was really done to keep people
safe!

10. Black cat
Black cats is one of major superstition and mythology .In the middle ages,
they were believed to be witches’ incarnate. Many of the old
superstitions about black cats exist till today. Depending on
the localities; black cats portend either good or bad luck.
Here are some examples:
• In Yorkshire, England,Asia and even UK it may be lucky to
• own a black cat, but it is unlucky have one cross your path.
• Seeing a black cat in your dream indicates that you are
• experiencing some fear in using your psychic abilities
• and believing in your intuition.
• In 16th century Italy, people believed that if someone was sick he would
die if a black cat lay on his bed.
• In North America, it's considered bad luck if a black cat crosses your path
and good luck if a white cat crosses your path.
• Finding a white hair on a black cat brings good luck .

11. 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 child ren.
People compared horoscopes before marriage
and marriage only between couples with
compatible horoscopes. Marriages and
other functions are conducted at auspicious
times (muhurat) specified by
astrologers. Several politicians also reportedly
go to consult astrologer before important
decisions.

12. Widows
Widows are considered inauspicious and made to look lifeless. Some
consider it bad luck to see a widow firstly 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.
Widows are abused as “husband eater”.In
northern Indian state of Punjab,widows is
Referred to as ‘prostitute’.
In this region ,they usually arrange for the
Widow to marry her deceased husband’s
Brother because being owned by a men is a
Way to avoid being raped.

13. Black and White Magic
There are several type of magic, but basically, it is subdivided in
two categories: black and white magic
Black magic is the belief of practices of magic that draws
on assumed malevolent powers. It is invoked when one wishes
to kill, steal, injure, cause misfortune or destruction, or for
personal gain without regard to any harmful consequences .
As a term, “Black magic” is normally used by those that do not
approve of its uses. It is common to some ritualistic settings.
Some argue that “magic has no color”, and it’s merely how it’s
used by the person invoking it. If one looks at it that way then
the claim that not everything termed as “Black magic” has
malevolent intentions behind it could be true. There are
probably
other helpful uses you can think of where Black magic,
“in a good way” could be applied.

14. Vaastu Sastra
A beautiful home all of a sudden becomes unsuitable to live - in because field
moving from North to South, Human beings also have the same magnetic field
moving in the same direction. Now while we sleep facing North our body’s
magnetic
field would repel with that of Earth’s, and you are not Einstein to
guess who is stronger Earth or You, thereby weakening our body
strength, creating hormonal imbalances, depressions, pains & our
aches. Instead if we sleep facing south , it would just be opposite,
body’s magnetic field would attract with that of earth’s creating
a harmony. Sleeping facprinciples of vaastu are not applied to its
construction. Why so much importance is given to this ancient science in this
modern world.Vaastu Shastra , the ancient Indian Architecture Study
emphasizes on the basic principles of universal or solar energy,
magnetic field of earth and the wind directions.For instance , a vaastu expert says
to sleep facing south or east . The reason – earth has a magnetic ing east is second
best as then we are sleeping in cordinance with the solar energy. So this was just
one truth behind various misunderstanding about vaastu.Try applying it & you

15. In Hindu astrology and mythology, Rahu and Ketu are
invisible planets. They are enemies of the Sun and the
moon. It is believed that at certain times they swallow
the Sun or the Moon causing either a solar eclipse (Surya
grahanam) or a lunar eclipse Chandra grahanam).
Superstitions:
 Eclipse brings bad luck.
 Don’t eat during solar eclipse.
 Take a bath after the eclipse.
 Cover water, food item, etc. with Holy Basil (tulsi leaves).
 Throw away left over food.
 Don’t expose to sunlight during eclipse especially pregnant women.
Some don’t believe by saying it is all superstition. They plan to
conduct parties and get together. Solar eclipses or lunar eclipses
are scientific phenomena. People must not be scared.
Solar and lunar eclipse

16. Use of supernatural or magical powers. A witch is a practitioner of
witchcraft. Historically, it was widely believed in early modern
Christian
Europe that witches were in league with the Devil and used
their powers to harm people and property.
According to the dictionary sorcery is the Witchcraft,
in historical, religious, and mythological contexts, is
the alleged art, practices, or spells of a person who
is supposed to exercise supernatural power through
the aid of evil spirits; Black magic, witchery.
Witchcraft and Sorcery

17. 5. MENSTRUATION TABOO
Menstruating women are considered impure. In many places, they are
not allowed to cook,touche the pickle or enter temples during their periods.

18. Name-Sreedyuti Chakraborti Age-27 profession-School
teacher
Q:-Do you believe in superstition?
Ans:-No, I do not believe in superstition. But ,I believe in ghosts.
Q:-why do you believe in ghosts?
Ans:-We have never seen God in our life.But, we believe in
Case study :1

19. Q:-Do you read your horoscope?
Ans:-Yes.
Q:- Is there any incident which originally becomes true that was predicted
using your horoscope?
Ans:-Yes, there are some incidents in my life.
Q:-What is your message to the people who believe in superstitions strongly?
Ans:-If we believe in superstitons then the growth of our society will be
decreased. We must think logically and scientifically.For example, if anyone
say that do not get out from home today because it may be bad for you and
on this day if you have an important exam then what will you do?You must go
to give the exam.So, I think we must know the original reason of any incident
and then explain it scientifically.

20. NO.2
Name-Aruna Das Age-57 Profession- Housewife
Q:-Do you believe in superstition?
Ans:- Yes , I believe a few superstitions.
Q:-Is there any impotent incident in your life according to superstition?
Ans:-No,there is no as such incident. But one day when I got out from home
and a black cat crossed my path and on that day I was going to do the most
impotent work and I became successful in my work.

21. Q:-Do you believe in Vastu Sastra?
Ans:-Yes, I believe in Vastu Sastra. So, in my home God is placed at the
North-East corner of my house.
Q:-Do you believe in any superstition about solar and lunar eclipse?
Ans:-Yes, I believe in this type of superstition. For example ,I think that we
should not eat at that time. Though, it has scientific reason also.
Q:- A lot of superstitions exist in our society about menstruation cycle. Do
you believe this type of superstitions?
Ans:-Not , all of them but I believe some of them.
Q:-Why do you believe in this type of superstition?Is there any particular
reason?
Ans:-No,there is no particular reason. But still I believe in this type of
superstition because these are Continuing from generation to generation.
Q:-What is your message to the people who believe in different
superstitions strongly?
Ans:-I have nothing to tell about this because I think it is everyone's
personal matter that they believe in superstition or not.

22. Remedial actions
1.I think that we all should attempt to stear our minds away from society-
affecting superstitions and live as though they had never been created.
2. Realize that you have the power to make your own luck. While you
can't control all the circumstances in your life, you can control how you
react to them and what you do about it. This is far more important than
being lucky or unlucky.
3. there has been a tendency to blame the government and depend it for
the removal of social evils. I believe the only hope lies in the youth. In this
regard the teaching community have to modernise India’s so that the
desireable change may occur through education. Its prevention is literacy
and knowledge is its cure.

23. 4. Movies like OMG and PK has put a great impact on peoples life. It was atheist and superstitious too. But after
watching OMG I realized donating a huge sum of money or worship god day and night in temples won’t change
my fortune, or make me to pass the examination without studying the subjects. Going to temple, church, mosque
is good and I care the feelings of people. But trusting blindly on pandits, maharaj is not an ideal way of worship.
These films tried to influence people to think on their illogical activities.For me the movies like PK and OMG
certainly makes difference to the Indian society. So, when we see for the impact of these scripts in our society we
will have to come up with these ideas more frequently and in a stronger way each time we come.
These movies are not challenging the supreme power but the bad things prevailing on the name of
Almighty so we have now a days more matured audience who thinks on these facts but just till they find
something more interesting in their lives.
So, to see the impact on a very large scale we will have to come up with more movies like OMG and PK.

24. Effects of superstitions
Superstitions do affect the society a lot. For example, widows are considered to bring bad luck.
At one point in India, widows couldn’t get shelter and received harsh treatment. They were not
allowed to attend auspicious functions. Also, black cats are hunted down because of the
incredibly old superstitions. Black cats bring bad luck. They have as much right to live freely
without being cringed at do.
Certain superstitions beliefs have been in the Indian society for such a long time that they have
been taken for granted and are no more considered as evil. People leaving everything to god
and remaining idle is a common culture in the Indian society. Number of houses in our society
left unhabited because of the ‘Vastu’ problem, is a clear indication.
Superstitious beliefs is the biggest stumbling block in our path to a healthy society. Youth
practising superstitions will hinder social progress. It lead to the exploitation of common people
by clever Sadhus and Tantrics. In a country like India where these godmen enjoy a very
unshakable position even after the spotlight has been thrown on their clout making headlines for
the controversy they create like financial irregularities, sexual abuse and sometimes even
murder, in a country where people still believe in age old superstitions, in a country where people
believe these “babas” will solve their problems not they themselves.

25. We have a very recent example of so called “Nirmal Baba” even if his fraudism came out in the open to the
people but this followers still did not believe. FIR were filled and he was given even NBW from Delhi HC for
fraudery. Not to forget Asaram Bapu being alleged for illegal sexual activities in his own Ashram though
he is been put in a tight spot by the court but not the people.
Today to become a baba you need a very few ingredients:-
• A few reliable chelas
• A weird name
• Divine looks which include unkempt hairs, long unshaved beard
• Agood practise of magician’s tricks
• Target your bakras
Not only this neither did people have stopped their “holy” rituals of wasting milk and honey which they
think as offering to please God. Even today goers to temple are more than a school.
We live in Tech Savvy century but still this blindness??

26. Conclusion:
It is clear that Superstitions leads to the most adverse & serious ill effects
as far as human civilizations concerned. They exist due to our ignorance
of scientific facts and truths. Education can be best solution to this
problem. Women are more superstitious due to their inferior position
in male dominated society which leads to poor mental & physical health, in
order to ensure safety & security of her own family, they get trapped into
this vicious circle of blind faith& rituals. Better public outreach program,
involving various sects, caste & religion of society will be very useful to
eradicate superstations. The help of modern technology &electronic media
makes such outreach program more involving & interesting for masses. In
spite of advances and science people are still superstitious. Many people
still practice the old ways even common people practice a little.
Superstitions are a part of our every day lives and always have been.

27. About 80% of our population lives in villages and half of them are illiterate. A large
section of our society believes in superstitions and therefore fall prey to conmen
and godmen. Superstitions make a mockery of human and social development.
Superstitions should not be confused with tradition and culture. Conducting
programmes on how miracles are not possible will go a long way in dispelling the
belief. Movies and media should take up the challenge of fighting against this evil.