Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTIONWhat is Superstition?Superstition is considered a widespread social problem. Superstition refers to any belief or practice which is explained by supernatural causality, and is in contradiction to modern science. Some beliefs and practices, which are considered superstitious by some, may not be considered so by others. The gap, between what is superstitious and what is not, widens even more when considering the opinions of the general public and scientists.Definition on Superstition.Oxfards Dictionary defines Superstition as Awidelyheld butirrationalbeliefinsupernaturalinfluences, especially as leadingto good orbad luck, or a practicebasedon abelief.IntroductionNo matter which part of the world you tour, you will find the people nurturing certain beliefs and superstitions and India is no exception in this case. Though the Indian society is fast progressing, there are many people who are still superstitious and have a strong faith in the local beliefs. Most of the beliefs have originated from Indian religious texts and scriptures. Dharmsindhu, a Sanskrit scripture, prescribes the day-to-day behavioral patterns for the followers of Hindu religion without assigning any reason/logic for its directives. The standard viewpoint is that most of the Indian beliefs have sprung with an objective to protect from evil spirits, but some were based on reasoning.Superstition is a belief that can be negated by common sense or scientific knowledge based on evidence. With the passage of time, the reasoning part behind the origin of these religious beliefs got eroded. That is exactly why most of these beliefs appear unsubstantiated and false. However, in reality, there are many such beliefs in the Indians culture which are absolutely absurd and have no logic behind them.

Origin of superstitionsSuperstitions are deemed as pertinent in India and specially in Maharashtra, because these, generally, hint at future occurrences and can be either good or bad. Thus, anything from the call of a bird to the falling of utensils is considered an (ill) omen in India. Many of the traditional superstitions in India are connected with some particular places, certain body parts, trees, animals, birds and reptiles.Once upon a time life was extremely hazardous and the central feature of day-to-day existence was a preoccupation with the explanation for the relief of human misfortune. Vagaries of climatic and geographical conditions, hostile neighborhood, fear of predators etc were constant concern of the human society during those days. These things might have influenced for the superstitious behavior which are being carried till date. Witchcraft, women wedded to the gods, marked by the evil eye, stars that affect earthly actions these are just some superstitious phenomena that inspire fear. We can see the superstition, therefore, as a constancy; a kind of reassurance against fluctuation as though we are part of an impenetrable mystery with incomprehensible rules. All superstitions remain as outward expressions of the tensions and anxieties that hold sway over humanity as it struggles down the corridor of life from birth to death irrespective of education, status and richness.Perstitious scientistsScientists are also prone to having their untenable beliefs despite their eminence in their field of specialization. Even scientists can in matters as religious superstitions. Clearly one mans belief is another mans superstition. Does education help remove superstitions? Not necessarily. Education will not help much to eradicate superstition; the latter will merely shift its ground from time to time without losing appreciably its hold over the human mind. There will still be that murmuring to intimates, or consciences, that it is after all better to be safe than sorry: I don't really believe, but . . .Religion and superstitionDoes religion help? Not necessarily. Religion may in fact fuel irrational beliefs. In this respect no religion is exempt. Some of the most basic beliefs of most religions can be classified as superstitions if the test of common sense and evidence is applied. The superstitions were taken for granted and none was dare enough to question them.Perhaps there is an unshaken belief in miraculous cures, magical remedies and supernatural phenomena which might have persuaded to remain superstitious even in this age of reason and scientific progress. As such there is a section of the society which manipulates the minds of the gullible to their advantage and amass wealth and power exhibiting so called miracles and supernatural feats under the garb of divine blessings. These Godmen, Babas, Buvas, Matajis and Maharajas are main transporters of superstitions and have got their stronghold on Maharashtrian society. Educated and elite class also supports these godmen to protect their vested interests. This class has completely twisted the meaning of superstition (Andhshraddha) under the name of faith (shraddha).Faith and superstitionsOne person's faith is a superstition for another and what a third person considers to be a superstition is a very strong faith, almost a question of life and death for a fourth one. The faith that does not allow to be questioned on the basis of facts or truth is superstition. Whether faith is superstition or not can be assessed by using following four criteria:Verify the facts or the truth. When faith is used in everyday affairs, it generally means religious faith, faith in the other world or in the liberation of soul from the cycle of birth and death. While verifying the facts should not be based upon the testimony of words of some individual, or the testimony of the person or testimony of the book.Ascertain whether faith adheres to non-violence principle. In any society people have diverse faiths. They all should be allowed to preach and propagate their faiths as long as they confine their activities within bounds of propriety. It is tolerance that is rooted in non-violence.Fear and lure should not weaken the determination to adhere to faith. It should be dynamic.Faith sublimates value judgment while superstition debases it. Faith should be replaced with loyalty towards human values, moral principles and ethical behaviour.Since superstitions do not allow people to think and act rationally, irrational behaviour leads to heavy losses in terms of money, health, peace of mind and sometimes life also. The superstitious activities harm the environment. It leads to intolerance and violence which disturbs the law and order situation in the society. The strong belief in alternate therapies like psychic healers, faith healers, acupuncturists, homeopaths etc my ruin someone's health beyond cure. People still believe in miraculous cures offered by witchdoctors and faith healers (mostly babas and buvas) even though science and modern medicine has gone into depth about prognosis, diagnosis and cure of most of the diseases.Eradication of superstitionsHow then can we eradicate superstition? As Einstein endorses" Over thousands of years of evolution, everything has changed except the way we think " . There seems to be something in the human condition, in the thought process that makes us surrender to superstitions and to believe in the unbelievable. The primordial emotions of man have remained the same over millenniafear, greed, hatred, envy, anger, desire. Every religion asks us to conquer these but to no avail. No Prophet, saint or holy man or woman has made much of a difference to humanity at large in our conquest of these negative emotions.

List of Sum common Superstitions in India:

1. A black cat crossing your path is a bad omen.2. Snakes drink milk.3. Snakes carry a diamond in their forehead.4. Dont sweep the floor after evening.5. Dont pluck flowers/leaves during after evening.6. Spray some water droplets on a person who returns from a funeral.7. Dont wave your legs sitting on a chair.8. Dont leave your slippers inverted on the floor.9. Hiccups indicate someone is thinking of you.10. Always donate a sum of Rs.101 instead of Rs.100 or Rs.51 instead of Rs.50. The extra rupee is supposed to bring good luck.

11. Chilli-Lemon everyday outside everything to wards off the evil eye.12. Menstruating women should not be allowed to enter the kitchen.13. Girls should not be near the temple when they are menstruating.14. Dont throw hair strands in the house. It causes quarrel.15. Dont hand over knife/scissors to a friend. It leads to fight.16. A wish made while seeing a rainbow or falling meteor is fulfilled.17. Salt pinch circled around a persons head to ward off evil eyes.18. Broken idols or out of order clocks in your house bring bad luck.19. Sleeping with a scissor under your pillow wards off nightmares.20. Broken glass in the house is not good according to the Vastu shastra.

Impact of superstition and Indian societySuperstitions are a commonly witnessed phenomenon. They can be seen anywhere, anytime, whether at home, in office or on the way. People of every caste, creed or community are superstitious. Though the forms of superstition may vary, their presence can be felt in every society. It is a universal phenomenon. Even the people of highly rational West are superstitious. It is an integral part of human society.To stop all of a sudden to see a cat crossing our path is a widely seen phenomenon in Indian society. It is almost universally believed that this is likely to bring failure to the mission of the person who is going to cross the road after it first being crossed by the cat. Similarly, the howl of the dog at the deadly hours of night instills a feeling of horror resulting from the fear of the death of some near and dear one.Superstitions have been prevalent in society since time immemorial. They have their origin in illiteracy, i.e. lack of rational belief, scientific attitude and also lack of faculty to interpret certain events. Its origin can be traced back to prehistoric times when people did not have knowledge and exposure as we do have today.Superstitions are deeply rooted in society. Even with the spread of education and awareness superstitions could not be driven out of society. They hold the educated and uneducated alike. It has so strong grip over the mind of the people that despite scientific and technological advancement they could not make themselves free from them. Their presence is felt all across the globe despite technological progress made in various fields of life. But the spread of education has, undoubtedly, acted as a deterrent against superstitions.Repeated co-incidences helped in rooting the superstitions. For instance, if a person while going out on a certain mission comes across a particular animal, and by chance he is unsuccessful, he begins to believe that it was caused by the animal which he happened to see. If the incident is repeated this is established that animal is a bad omen. Or conversely, success associated with a series of coincidental happenings also creates a superstition. Indian religious system also contributed in its propagation, by following totemism. This sometimes gives superstitions the status and sanctity of religion.Now they have developed the attitude to see and judge anything on the basis of logic and reason. Moreover, the fast-paced modern life leaves no space and time for superstitions. A person cannot heed anybodys sneezing if he had to be punctual on duty and cannot miss his train or flight. His busy schedule hardly leaves any space for such things. In addition, ever-increasing media coverage and peoples accessibility to mass media have helped in creating awareness against the hollowness and harmful impact of superstitions.It is ironic that advanced West is not free from the ills of superstitions. In China and other western countries, number 13 is considered to bring ill-luck. If this number is allotted to a car, the owner of the car hesitates to drive the car and he is always under fear and tension of accidents. A person, who gets the house of this number, hardly makes him free from the fear of death, disease, damage and destruction. Furthermore, passing under the ladder is considered unlucky by the people of western culture, but this is not the same in case of Indians.The mode of practice of superstitions in India is different from that of west. In India it is a common superstitious practice to hang an ugly fearsome face usually painted on the back of an earthern vessel to the facade of the house, to save a newly-built house from the evil eye. In India people do not like to be called from behind or asked a question just as they are setting out for some work. Hanging artificial black shoes at the back of vehicles-a truck or bus is a very common sight in India.Often the superstitions are very frightful and cruel in nature, particularly those related to human beings. In Indian society, a widows plight is no secret. She is treated as an object to be hurt and humiliated catching sight of widow while on the way to somewhere is considered unlucky. Her presence is disliked on some auspicious occasions like marriage.Superstitions need to be eradicated from the society. Media has a significant role in this regard. Mass awareness campaign can help in combating this evil. No doubt, education has no substitute in this regard. Fortunately, the youth of India are not superstitious. They are educated and keep a scientific temper.They believe that every action has a cause, and every cause leads to some consequences. Whatever is not based on rationality and reason should not be allowed to overpower our mind and create unnecessary fear. If you have worked hard, you cannot fail just because a cat has crossed your way. Superstitions are baseless and should be given up.

Chapter 2 Research MethodologyWhat is Research Methodology ?Research methodology is a systematic way to solve a problem. It is a science ofstudying how research is to be carried out. Essentially, the procedures by which researchersgo about their work of describing, explaining and predicting phenomena are called researchmethodology. It is also defined as the study of methods by which knowledge is gained. Itsaim is to give the work plan of research. Importance of Research Methodology in Research StudyIt is necessary for a researcher to design a methodology for the problem chosen. Oneshould note that even if the method considered in two problems are same the methodologymay be different. It is important for the researcher to know not only the research methodsnecessary for the research under taken but also the methodology. For example, a researchernot only needs to know how to calculate mean, variance and distribution function for a setof data, how to find a solution of a physical system described by mathematical model, howto determine the roots of algebraic equations and how to apply a particular method but alsoneed to know:(i) which is a suitable method for the chosen problem?,(ii) what is the order of accuracy of the result of a method?,(iii) what is the efficiency of the method?and so on. Consideration of these aspects constitute a research methodology.

Types of Research Descriptive Research is used for the study as it helps fact finding through surveys and enquiries. The data is collected through primary source , which include questionnaires personal interview and telephonic interview. Secondary data is also been collected through internet web pages , magazines , journals newspapers etc.

Objective of the Study 1. To study the awareness about superstition2. To examine science can explain superstition or not3. To know where are these superstition common 4. To Analyze the review of people on superstition and their behaviour5. How to stop being superstitious6. To offer suggestions on the basis of findings.

Hypothesis My Hypothesis is that majority people in India blindly believe in Superstitions because of Lack of Education and Awareness.

Sample Sampling DesignStratified random sampling method is used for sampling design in which random people are selected.Sampling SizeSampling size is restricted to 50 & samples are collected in different areas of scope.Sample Description Sample consists of all profession which includes students , service, self-employed, business, retired.

Data Type of data:Primary data Data which is observed or collected directly from first hand experience. Primary data are information collected by a researcher specifically for a research assignment. In other words, primary data are information that a company must gather because no one has compiled and published the information in a forum accessible to the public. Companies generally take the time and allocate the resources required to gatherSources of data:The primary data collected consists of all income group people , college students , investors , employed , self employed people etc. and profession.

Techniques of Data CollectionThe sources of data are primary and secondary.Primary data was collected through questionnaires using survey method.Secondary data through different websites, articles, journals , news papers , projects report in college library etc.

Techniques of Data AnalysisHave used excel and graphs, tables and pie diagrams for the data analysis. The use of graphs and pie diagrams has made the data analysis and interpretation much easier.

Review of Literature Superstition refers to the blind faith in an idea without giving any consideration to reason, logic and evidence. Many superstitions have originated in human society on account of ignorance and fear of the unknown and incomprehensible. They thrive mainly on the greed of human beings. Many superstitions have disappeared in course of time as well. For instance, for many centuries lightning, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and epidemics were assumed as the reflection of Gods anger over the behaviour of human beings. To appease God, many rituals were carried out. Prayers were offered; fasting was undertaken and offerings were given to temples and even human sacrifices were made. These superstitions have vanished gradually during the last two centuries due to development and spread of scientific knowledge about nature and her manifestations.History of humankind gives an account of how many superstitions have prevailed and caused misery to human beings in the past. In the Western societies, during the Middle ages ( about 1,100 to 1.500) thousands of innocent men and women were killed merely on the grounds that they practised witchcraft. In Medico, during Azetic regime, hundreds of men were brutally sacrificed every year to appease God. In India, till mid-nineteenth century, thousands of women were burnt alive in the funeral pyre of their husbands on the superstition that they would live in heaven with their husbands. In addition, human sacrifices were carried out in both North and South India, either to appease God or to get his favour. Likewise, many barbaric superstitions existed in India.Even in this age, numerous superstitions continue in human society. For example, in Western societies, Friday is an unlucky day and thirteen is an unlucky number. Contrarily, Friday is an auspicious day to Muslims and Hindus. Similarly, crossing of black cat on ones path is bad omen in Western countries and India. But, it is a good omen in Egypt. Thus, the kind of superstitions vary from country to country.All superstitions are harmful since they inactivate the reasoning capacity of human beings. Secondly, they arrest human endeavour and initiative. Thirdly they make people waste their energy, time and money in worthless rituals and ceremonies. There things lead to decline and decay of civilization. So, we have to be vigilant and guard ourselves against the superstitions.Belief in auspicious days and time is the other widely prevailing superstition in Indian society. This superstition has been in existence in human society for a long period. Many moral preachers such as Buddha, Confucius, Christ and Prophet Mohammed have condemned this belief. As a result, faith in this superstition is less in the Western and the Eastern societies. But, this exists widely in India society. According to this belief, a few days are auspicious and other days are not. For example, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday are auspicious days. Tuesday and Saturday are inauspicious days, unfit to conduct any social functions. Likewise, in a day, different times are auspicious while other times are inauspicious.Auspicious day and time are being adhered to while conducting social functions. Auspicious days for solemnizing marriages are only 55 to 60 days in a year. The rest of the days i.e. 310 days in a year are marked as inauspicious days, not suitable for solemnising marriages. Believing this superstition, most of the people in the South conduct marriages only on those days. Not only Hindus but also Muslims and Christians conduct marriages only on those days. To that extent, this superstition governs the minds of Indians, irrespective of ones religious conviction.In India, majority are under the impression that they can peep into their future with the help of astrology. Even the educated Indians believe the blabbering of the illiterate astrologers. In South India, bride and grooms birth stars and horoscopes are still the deciding factors for marriages. Even in Kerala where the literacy rate is high, the belief in astrology and watercraft is at fanatic level. Likewise, faith in numerous superstitions such as palmistry, numerology, namology, Vasthu etc. is strong in India. In no other society, are the believers of these superstitions so numerous and make up such a larger percentages in our society. Based on astrology, people take un-wise decisions and dissipate their energy and natural resources in useless rituals and ceremonies. These wasteful activities are the great impediments to our progress.While the intensity in Indian society is striking, a global survey shows that many superstitions do prevail in all human societies to some extent. Only their role and impact vary. Observing these things, a basic question arises as why numerous superstitions prevail even in this scientific age. To this question, psychologists answer: Everywhere people assume the existence of powers which could influence their lives for better or worse. To placate the anger of these forces or to buy their goodwill became almost obsession neurosis.Chapter -3 Data analysis and interpretation

QuestionnaireQ1. Age of surveyed people.

The survey was conducted on random sampling basis and hence the age group of the survey consist of people of various age group between 20 year an above. The survey states that the age group of the survey sample consist of 40% people who are between the age of 36-50 yrs , 33% are between the age of 20-35 yrs ,and rest 27% are 50yrs and above.

2 .Qualification.

Survey consist of people of different educational qualifications. Survey states that the qualification of survey sample consist of 38% graduate, 25% post graduate 4% professional and 33% are others. Others consist of people who are qualified less then graduation. People with different educational qualification were surveyed in order to understand the belief of Superstition in various qualified groups.

3. Profession

A survey taken on superstition which consist 22% are students, 35% are service people, 17% are self employed, 16% business people and 10% are retired. Majority of people surveyed were in Service Profession.

4. Do you know what is superstition?

A survey on superstition in which 77% people know the what is superstition and other 23% people dont know what is superstition which shows that there are more people aware about it. Total of 77% people state that they know, what is superstitions which means there is enough of awareness about it.

5. Do you believe in superstition?

A survey taken on superstition in which sample size is 50 out of which 63% people can believe on superstition and 37% people cannot believed on superstitions.

6. Reasons for Believing in SuperstitionsReason for Believing in Superstition% out of 100

Part of Religion, Culture & Traditions57%

Practised by Adults or Others13%

Lack of Education16%

Dont believe in superstition14%

A surveyed people can give the various reasons for their believing in superstitions in which 57% people can believing on superstitions as part of religion, culture and traditions,13% people can believed because practised by adults or others,16% people can believed on it because of lack of educations and rest 14% people says they dont believed on superstition.7. Do you believe that they can influence our lives?

A surveyed people have their own reviews like whether it can influence their life or not in which 37% people says that a superstition can be influenced their life, where 34% people says that superstition cannot influence their life and 29% people says that they dont know anything about that.

8. Do you think Science can explain Superstition?Connection of Science & Superstition% out of 100

Always12%

Sometimes18%

Two different things22%

No Idea12%

As surveyed taken on superstition in which sample size is 50. In that 12% people says that science and superstition can always connected, 18% people says that it can be connect only sometimes, where as 22% people says that it would be two different things where as 12% people says that they have no idea on these.

9. How do you know about Superstition?

After taking a surveyed on popularity of superstition it would be observed that 41% people have known about superstition from their family, 19% people known about it from their friends, where as 22% people have known about superstition from various social media, and 18% people known about superstition from other sources.

10. Was there any incident in which you went against superstition and what was the result?

As survey taken on any incident in which people get against superstition in which 38% people says that they go against it but result was good, Where 29% people said that they was going against superstition and result was bad, where as 33% people where says that they have nothing new .

11. Do you know anything about the origin of Superstitions in your country?

When I was taking a surveyed on origin of superstitions in which 34% people have know about the origin about India where as 66% people dont know anything about the origin of superstition in India.

12. According to you where are superstitions more common?

Location% out of 100

Rural46%

Urban39%

Both15%

As surveyed taken on where superstition are more common in which 46% people says that as superstition are more common in rural area, where as 39% in urban area, and 15% people says that it would be in both the area. Its noted that a superstition would be highest in rural area.

13. Do you believe that if certain thing happens it will change your Luck?

While taking a surveyed it would be observed that if certain things happen then 42% people believed that it can be changed their luck, while 58% people says that if certain things happen it cannot changed their luck.

14. Do you think we can stop Superstition?

A surveyed taken on superstition a sample size was 50 and it would be observed that 51% people think that they can stop the superstition where as 49% people think that we cannot stop to being superstitious.15. How to Stop being Superstitious?Ways to stop Superstition% out of 100

Think for Logical Justification of Events33%

Show yourself this events have no basis in Reality27%

Rely on your decisions instead of some stupid belief21%

Others19%

While taking a surveyed on how to stop being superstitious ,a people have their different views on it like 33% people says that if we can think for logical justification of events, 27% people says that show yourself this events have no basis in reality, where as 21% people says that relay on your decisions instead of some stupid belief, and 19% people says that there are many more and other ideas to stop being superstitious.Chapter 4 Summary, Findings, Recommendations and Conclusion.

SummaryMysterious happenings are all around us today. I personally have done extensive studies in the histories of many of these superstitions, from the common to the absurd. Science tends to claim that all superstitions are pointless, and, in some cases, I agree, such as the fear of black cats, but the fact of the matter is that somesuperstitionscome from a rich pre-Christian background. Many superstitions have been doubted since the rise of science, but it has been said that "In spite of advances and science, people are still superstitious." First, today's superstition is yesterday's magic; second, many people still practice the old ways; and finally, even common people practice. Superstitions are a part of oureveryday livesand always have been.

First, today's superstitions are yesterday's magic. Magic is the term practitioners use to describe the direct but subtle influence over reality; magic is a term for stage tricks. Long before the age of science, magic was a common element in every religion, even Christianity. Even science in its beginning, was based on old magics like numerology, begun by Pythagoras, and alchemy. Since then, we have several leftovers from the old ways, my favorite of which is knocking on wood. The ancientCelts(pronounced Kelts) began this practice as a way of thanking the wood fairies, who were seen as mostly responsible for good luck. Today, when speaking of one's good fortune, it is common to knock on wood, though most people do not know why. Despite science's attempts to turn the old ways into useless or forgotten superstitions, the remnants of them are still around.

Second, many of us still practice magic, roughly 10,000 in America. Collectively, the religion is known as Wicca, though not all Wiccans practice magic, and not all of those who practice magic are Wiccan. Obviously, the scientific community would prefer to believe that we are either insane, delusional, or con-artists, but none of that is true. I have seen magic work and have done it myself. In fact, my favourite way to gain the trust of a new friend is by granting him or her one wish, as long as the wish is not too grand; as I said before, magic is subtle. When the wish comes true, I have a new friend who is willing to do almost anything for me. Whether scientists like it or not, there are those of us who still practice the old ways and take them seriously.Finally, not only do Wiccans practice the old ways, but normal people also use them in their everyday lives. True, the intent is not there, which is essential to magic, but the practice is. For instance, placing parsley on meat to prevent food poisoning, planting holly around the house for protection, using basil in food that is meant for a lover to induce lust, and the aforementioned knocking on wood are all still practices. Whether people know it or not, they are incorporating the old ways, sometimes in the form of superstition, into their everyday lives.

In conclusion, science would have people believe that magic does not exist and that superstitions are the creations of pointless fears, but the fact is that people do practice superstitions and the old ways, and I have seen them work. In spite of advances in scientific knowledge, people are still superstitious, and I believe they have a good reason to be. Today's superstitions are yesterday's magic, people do still practice the old ways, and even common people practice a little. As it stands now, Wicca is the fastest growing religion in the United States, so it does not look like superstition is on the way out. Scientists would like to get rid of the old ideas, but that will never happen.

FindingsFollowing were the finding from the data analysis on the topic Superstitions in India:

There were around 63% people who still believe in Superstitions. It was believed that rural areas are prone to be following such Superstitions. Superstitions have become a part of our life, it is hard to convince people that they have no effect on our life because they have a blind belief in such events. People still believe that if they go against some superstition they might get into problems. It was noticed that superstitions are not backed by scientific reasons behind them. Superstitions being a part of religion, culture or tradition was found to be one of the main reason behind its belief. People are educated they know this is wrong but when it comes as a part of culture they give up and agree on following it. Origin of some or many superstitions is unknown by people but following it has become a trend. People believe that giving logical justification and proving this events wrong or fake can help reduce the belief in superstitions.

Recommendations Sacrificing animals in the name of 'offerings to god' is a dastardly act. Such act should be condemned by all the free thinkers and reformers. This may lead to a lot of resistance, but it should not be given up and it should be dealt cautiously. The serious challenge in front of us is to bring a scientific outlook in our minds. Various clubs and seminars can be conducted to throw light on the need to abolish superstitions from the society. These issues are often best addressed through debates and discussions. Spiritual leaders, cutting across religions, should be the helmsmen in creating awareness among the public about various ill effects of superstitions. The message that "Religion should bring glory to a man's life but not bring him down to the level of a beast" must be reiterated. Social media, which is very popular these days, should be instrumental in spreading awareness about the ill effects of superstitions. The eradication of superstitions calls for a countrywide campaign involving various social activists, celebrities, eminent people and reformers. Changes should be incorporated in the education system so as to prevent the young minds from getting polluted. Anti-superstition laws must be framed if necessary. However, mere amendments in law cannot ensure a permanent solution to this persistent problem. Stringent enforcement of the law, collective responsibility taken up by government, activists and public play a very crucial role in eradicating superstitions. The society is most harmed when rational thinking people keep quiet on this issue. It's an appeal to all the rational thinking people should come forward and create awareness among the masses about the evils of superstition. For this to happen, the entire society has to get awaken and rise up against such practices.

ConclusionMost of the people have an irrevocable faith in superstitions which are often baseless. People are often warned of bad omens like "if a black cat crosses their path" or "if somebody sneezes before making a start". Superstitions thus have become an integral part of many a people's lives in our country.Superstitions should not be confused with 'traditions and customs' that reflect the ethos of a country and often lead to the upliftment of the society. On the other hand, superstition is a blind belief which is totally baseless. The origin of superstitions dates back to the ancient times. As science was not prevalent, people believed in magic and superstitions and wore amulets to protect themselves. Natural calamities were considered as 'weapons of destruction' by the demons.Despite making advancement in science and technology, many a people have strong conviction about these superstitions. Though there's some improvement since 19th century, superstitions still hold good to many people in many parts of the country. Illiteracy and lack of awareness are the main reasons for the superstitions to thrive. Some people endorse these superstitions out of fear from caste outfits, or due to the apprehension that they may be outcast from their community.It's not a child's play to eradicate superstitions from our society which are deeply rooted since ages. For this change should be brought in the mindset of people through a gradual process. A lots of efforts are needed to be taken from government or some Corporate bodies or even on individual level to help reduce the belief in Superstition. It's high time that people from all walks of life develop a scientific temper to do away with superstitions. Eradicating superstitions should be taken as a serious challenge, otherwise superstition free India will remain as a distant dream.

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http://seyedhadiyassin.com/a-dictionary-of-superstitions-oxford-paperback-reference/ "The anti-black magic and superstition ordinance has been promulgated in Maharashtra".DNA India. 24 August 2013. Retrieved2 October2013. ^"Founder:Dr. Narendra Dabholkar". Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti. Retrieved21 December2010.

QuestionnaireQ1. Age Group you belong to 20-35 years 36-50 years 50 and above Q2. Your Educational Qualification School Education Graduation & Post Graduation Professional Others Q3. Your Occupation Details Students Service Self-employed Business RetiredQ4. Do you know what is superstition? Yes NoQ5. Do you believe in superstition? Yes I believe No I dont believeQ6. Reason for believing in superstitions? Part of religion, culture& traditions Practiced by adults/others Lack of education Dont believe in superstitionQ7. Do you believe that they can influence our lives? Yes, I believe. No, I dont.Q8. Do you think Science can explain Superstition? Always. Sometimes. 2 different things. I dont know.Q9. How do you know about Superstition? Family. Friends. Social media. Others.Q10. Was there any incident in which you went against superstition and what was the result? Good. Bad. Nothing new.Q11. Do you know anything about the origin of Superstitions in your country? Yes. No.

Q12. According to you where are superstitions more common? Rural. Urban. Both.Q13. Do you believe that if certain thing happens it will change your Luck? Yes, I believe. No, I dont.Q14. Do you think we can stop Superstition? Yes. No.Q15. How to Stop being Superstitious? Think for logical justification of events. Show yourself these events have no basis in reality. Rely on your decision instead of some stupid belief. Others.

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