essay on superstition in nepal

24 ‘interesting’ superstitions in Nepal

Even during today’s world of science and facts, Nepali society is still inclined towards a few beliefs without substantial evidence of realism. The beliefs, or superstitions, are unwritten and unproven rules that humans have made and follow. The older generation is heavily inclined in believing and following them, either citing fear of the power of the almighty or the unknown. 

Neither the lack of origins nor the lack of information has stopped people from blindly following these beliefs. Some of the commonly believed superstitions indicate the good or the bad omens and it ranges from things, animals, behaviours to time of the day.

So, here are some common superstitions that every Nepali has grown up with:

1. Animal-based superstitions

• A cat crossing your way: If a cat, black in particular, crosses your way, it is a belief that you should not cross that [hypothetical] line on the road until something else passes that way. It is believed to bring you bad luck. But, if you are in a rush, it is considered okay to throw a stone and walk past the line.
• Sound of dog’s howling : It is said if a dog cries in front of your house, someone will die from the family. So, everyone can be seen stopping it.

2. Superstitions about things

• Looking at upside-down shoes or sandals : If you are going out or have something important to do, and on the way out, you see any upside-down sandals or shoes, this is believed to ruin your work. It is another form of bad luck. One should always turn them back before leaving.
• Seeing empty jar or utensils: If you see an empty jar before going to an office or leaving the house for anything, it is believed you will have a bad day ahead and it will ruin your work. Similarly, the belief is that seeing broken utensils or earthen pots also ruins the work.
• Cutting nails at night: If you cut nails at night, something bad will happen. Your elders scold you whenever you cut your nails at night. Some believe misplacing the cut nails means one will misplace the wealth too or ruin their work.
• Spitting in a clump of hair before throwing: It is believed one should always spit in a clump of hair before throwing it away because many believe it refrains you from the harm from a witch. Besides that, if a bird makes a nest with that hair, it is believed the person will get ill.
• Leaping over a broom: It is believed leaping over a broom creates bad luck and also, you will be a victim of sin.
• Sitting on a pillow: It is said that if you sit on the pillow, you will have a headache.
• Stepping on or over a book: Books are worshipped as a form of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. When one steps on or over a book, it is believed that they will lose knowledge. So whenever one steps on a book, they are expected to bow their heads in front of the respective book, seeking forgiveness.
• Gifting a mirror: One should not give a newly married couple a mirror. Gifting a mirror to a married couple is believed to ruin their married life.
• Bathing by wearing clothes: If one washes their hair while wearing clothes (of course, expect the undergarments), it is believed you will have bad luck. This is because only a person whose parents have died can wash their hair by wearing a dress, which is one of the customs during final rites.

3. Superstitions around travel

• Sneezing while travelling: If you sneeze before travelling for a business deal or any other important work, sneezing before leaving for work symbolises bad luck as well.
• Asking someone ‘where are you going?’ : It is believed if someone asks you, “Where are you going?” just before leaving the house, this is believed to bring problems in your work.
• Travelling on Tuesdays: If a person travels or comes back home on Tuesdays, it is believed there will be a fight between the partners or with any other family members. So, most of the Nepalis avoid their travel on Tuesdays. 
• Mothers and daughters separating on Saturdays: It is believed if mother and daughter separate on Saturdays, both of them will fall sick. Individual travelling on Saturdays are also believed to be a bad luck.

4. Superstitions about food

• Eating curd and sugar: If you have one spoon of curd mixed with sugar before leaving the house, there is a belief you will have success in whatever work you attempt.
• Eating dinner by sitting on the bed: Most Nepalis believe that if you eat your dinner by sitting on a bed, you will see bad dreams.
• Cooking odd number of dishes: It is believed if you are making something, you should not turn off the stove without making an even number of dishes. Here, cooking an odd number of foods also symbolises bad luck. 
• Hanging chillies and lemon: Inside the business or shops, one can see people hanging some chillies and lemon on the doorstep. Hanging chillies and lemon is believed to protect the owner and business from bad spirits.

5. Time-based superstitions

• Starting a business during a malamas : If one starts a business in a month of malamas, an extra lunar month in the calendar that comes every three years, it is believed it will not go longer and also one cannot get success.
• Newlyweds staying together in the first malamas : If a newly married couple stays together or has sex during the month of malamas, it is believed to affect or shorten the life of the husband. It is also said that if they conceive during this month, an unhealthy child will be born. This is why there is a ritual that new brides spend their first malamas at their parents’ home, away from their husbands.
• Whistling inside home/office : If you whistle inside the home, you are sure to have been scolded by your mom. It is believed when you whistle, the wealth from your home/office will go out. Another belief surrounding it is the whistling invites snakes to the home.
• Shaving or cutting hair on birthdays: One should not shave or cut their hair on birthdays as people believe this will lead to shortening of one’s life span or s/he might get ill.
• Giving birth on a new moon: It is believed that if a woman gives birth on the new moon (aunshi), people believe the child will not have good luck in life.

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10+ Mysterious Nepali Superstitions: A Peek Into Nepali Culture

• , October 2, 2023

Nepal, the land of majestic, steep mountains, vibrant traditions, and captivating cultures, is not only renowned for its natural beauty but also for its rich customs and beliefs. Whether it’s hanging dry lemon, cat crossing, or a dog howling, a bad omen means something in Nepali culture .

Among these customs, Nepali superstitions hold a special place, offering a unique insight into the country’s cultural life. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common Nepali superstitions, providing you with a glimpse of the Nepali language and culture, as well as helping you learn the language!

Top 10 Nepali Superstitions

Here are some of the most prevalent superstitions in the Nepalese society.

1. The Evil Eye – Narāmrō Najara (नराम्रो नजर)

In Nepal, the belief in the “evil eye” is prevalent in blind belief & bad dreams. It is said that certain individuals possess the power to unintentionally harm others with just a glance. To ward off this malevolent force of bad souls, Nepalis often use words and phrases like “Nazar nalāgos” (नजर नलागोस्) meaning “Don’t cast an evil eye” to protect themselves or their possessions.

2. Sneezing Three Times – Tinpaṭak Chiṭṭieko āśirvād (तीन पटक छिट्टो को आशीर्वाद)

Nepalis believe that sneezing three times in a row is a sign of good luck. When someone sneezes thrice, you’ll often hear people say “Tinpaṭak chiṭṭieko āśirvād” (तीन पटक छिट्टो को आशीर्वाद), which means “Blessings upon sneezing three times.”

3. Whistling At Night – Rātī Siṭṭī Bajā’unē (राती सिट्टी बजाउने)

Nepali superstitions also caution against whistling at night. It is believed that doing so invites negative spirits into your home. The phrase “Rātī siṭṭī bajā’unē” (राती सिट्टी बजाउने) warns against this practice.

4. Black Cats – Kālō Birālōharū (कालो बिरालोहरू)

In many cultures, black cats are associated with bad luck, and Nepali culture is no exception. When someone spots a black cat, you might hear them say “Kālō birālōkō pāthī bāṭōmā na’ā’u” (कालो बिरालोको पाथी बाटोमा नआउ), meaning “Don’t cross the path of a black cat.”

5. Solar And Lunar Eclipses – Sūrya Ra Candra Grahaṇa (सूर्य र चन्द्र ग्रहण)

Eclipses are viewed with great caution in Nepal. It is believed that they bring bad omens and negative energy. People often stay indoors during eclipses, and you might hear phrases like “Sūrya ra chandra grahaṇako velā tapā’ī bāhira nā’ūnuhos” (सूर्य र चन्द्र ग्रहणको वेला तपाईं बाहिर नआउनुहोस्), which means “Don’t go outside during a solar or lunar eclipse.”

6. Omens From Nature – Prākr̥tika Cinhaharū (प्राकृतिक चिन्हहरू)

Nepalis are deeply connected to nature, and they believe that certain natural occurrences can predict the future (aka happen tomorrow) with bad spirits & bad luck. For example, if a crow caws near your house, it is seen as a sign of impending guests. This belief is summed up in the phrase “Gharakā pāsinā kāgako boli” (घरका पासिना कागको बोलि), meaning “The crow’s call near the house.”

7. Friday, The 13th – Śukrabārako 13 Gate (शुक्रबारको १३ गते)

Just like in many Western cultures, Friday the 13th is considered unlucky in Nepal. People tend to avoid making important decisions or starting new endeavors on this day. The phrase “Śukrabārako 13 gate asādhya din ho” (शुक्रबारको १३ गते असाध्य दिन हो) emphasizes the perceived difficulty of this day.

8. Broken Mirrors – Bhaṅgi’ēkō Darpaṇa (भङ्गिएको दर्पण)

Breaking a mirror is considered inauspicious in Nepali culture , just like in many other cultures around the world. It is believed to bring seven years of bad luck. When a mirror shatters, you might hear the phrase “Bhaṅgieko darpaṇ asādhya samaya ho” (भङ्गिएको दर्पण असाध्य समय हो), meaning “A broken mirror denotes an unfortunate time.”

9. Hooting Of Owls – Ullukō Cicyā’udai (उल्लुको चिच्याउदै)

In Nepal, the hooting of owls is often seen as a harbinger of death or misfortune. People believe it’s an omen that signifies the arrival of bad news. When you hear an owl’s hoot, you might encounter the phrase “Ullukō cicyā’udai dukhako sūcanā ho” (उल्लुको चिच्याउदै दुखको सूचना हो), meaning “The owl’s hoot is a sign of sorrow.”

10. Sweeping The House At Night – Rātamā Ghara Jhāḍnu (रातमा घर झाड्नु)

Sweeping the house after sunset or during the night is discouraged in Nepal in blind faith, as it is believed to sweep away the household’s wealth and good fortune during the bad nights. The saying “Rātmā ghar jhāḍnu dhankō chāno gardaina” (रातमा घर झाड्नु धनको छानो गर्दैन) cautions against this practice, translating to “Sweeping the house at night time wipes away the wealth.”

Additional Bad Luck Omens In Nepalese Society

• Banging heads with another person’s head
• Odd serving of food servings (odd numbers)
• Cutting nails at night
• Hanging lemons

Wrapping It All Up

Nepali superstitions are deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage and continue to influence daily life. While some may view them as mere beliefs, they offer a fascinating window into the traditions and values that shape Nepali society. As you embark on your journey to learn the Nepali language, understanding these many superstitions will not only enhance your language skills but also enrich your appreciation of this beautiful culture. So, remember these phrases, and continue to explore the enchanting world of Nepal’s superstitions and language.

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12 Superstitions That Still Persists in The Nepalese Society

Superstition is an illogical belief emerging from the darkness and is an unrealistic way of looking at life. Even in highly flourishing societies, bars of superstition can be seen and heard. A lot of us believe in superstitions that do not have valid reasons. There are boundless cases of superstitions. Some kinds of superstitions like breaking mirrors, spilling milk, or a black cat crossing the way are parts of deceived beliefs.

Nepal, with a low knowledge rate and many remote villages far into the Himalayas, sees many superstitions within its society. Some of them are based on reasonable explanations of beliefs while many are just baseless statements of old dogmas.

Many old superstitions and baseless dogmas have been denied by society, but there are still some that have managed to withstand the test of time. Here are those superstitions that still keep going in Nepalese society:

1. Cat Crossing the Road

This is probably one of the popular superstitions that are implanted deep into everyone’s subconscious. This is why motorists or persons stop in odd places on the road just to let some others cross by.

2. Combing Hair At Night

It is a common assumption in many houses in Nepal that combing your hair at nighttime brings bad luck to the family.

This superstition is connected with the truth that in old times houses lacked proper lighting and combing hair at night would result in meshy and broken hair shores. However, this practice is still common in many Nepali peoples.

3. Overturned Shoes

It is considered very unlucky to see an upturned shoe. Nepalese almost constantly take their moment to correct the overturned shoes as they think it to have a bad impression on their work.

4. Whistling At Night

Most people in Nepal are not pleased with anyone whistling at night. It is considered that if you whistle at night, then you are attracting bad souls, demons, and ghosts to your home.

5. Hanging Lemon And Chili

It is a nationally common superstition in Nepal. It is believed that hanging dry lemon and chili on the front of shops and cars guards you and your profession from evil spirits or from people’s evil purposes.

6. Stepping on a Book

More particularly, books have ‘Saraswati Bhagwan’ (Goddess Saraswati) in them, so if you step on them, it’s bad luck unless you bow to them.

7. Jumping Over a Broom

It is believed that, if you jump over a broom, then you will have bad luck. Best to dodge this, really.

8. Cutting Nails at Night

According to old generation peoples, if you cut your nail throughout the night time, then something wrong will happen tomorrow.

9. Left Eye Flutter

There are varieties for this, but the common faith is that eye twitching is bad. Some say that but if your right eye flutter, then it is good luck.

10. Odd Numbers of Food Servings

If you are assisting yourself with food, then you must never put unpaired serving. Odd serving is said to be very unlucky. Better go with even servings, and even if you kept one serving that feels like it is enough for you. You should always keep a little portion again to make it even.

11. Touching the Neck

If you touch the neck region, you get a goiter. This is completely ridiculous, and if you touch the neck of another person, then that person has to ‘blow’ your hand to prevent it.

12. Banging Head With Other People

If you hit your head accidentally with another person’s head, then better bang it again because you will have bad luck if you don’t!

Related Article: Vastu Shastra: Origin, Importance, and Benefits

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Superstitions That Exists in Nepali Community / Your Community

Write an essay on superstitions that exists in your community in about 250 words

Superstitions that exists in your (nepalese/nepali) community.

Introduction

Superstitions, the age-old beliefs rooted in the mystical and unexplained, have an enduring presence in Nepalese culture. These intriguing practices and customs have been passed down through generations, shaping the way Nepalese communities live, celebrate, and even fear. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of Nepalese superstitions, exploring their historical origins, common manifestations, and the forces that drive them. By doing so, we hope to shed light on the significance of understanding and addressing these beliefs in our community.

Historical Background

To comprehend Nepalese superstitions, we must trace their historical roots. These beliefs find their foundation in the rich tapestry of Nepalese history, where religion, folklore, and traditions have interwoven to create a complex web of mystical customs. From ancient rituals to modern interpretations, superstitions have evolved, adapting to changing times while retaining their grip on the collective psyche.

Common Superstitions in Nepal

Nepal boasts a diverse array of superstitions that permeate every facet of life. Whether it’s avoiding certain foods on specific days, following rituals during festivals, or attributing meaning to natural occurrences, superstitions are an integral part of daily existence. In this section, we’ll delve into some of the most prevalent superstitions that influence Nepalese society.

Driving Forces Behind Superstitions

Superstitions are often driven by social, cultural, and psychological factors. Family traditions, peer pressure, fear, and the need for psychological comfort all play a role in perpetuating these beliefs. Understanding these forces is essential to addressing and challenging superstitions effectively.

Impact on Daily Life in Nepal

The consequences of superstitions in Nepal are far-reaching. They affect decision-making, economic choices, healthcare practices, and even hinder societal progress. By exploring the practical implications, we can grasp the magnitude of superstitions’ influence.

The Path Forward

As Nepal evolves and embraces modernity, there’s a growing need to promote critical thinking and education. Encouraging a culture of questioning and skepticism can help the community transcend the confines of superstition. By fostering a more rational and progressive society, we can envision a brighter future for Nepal.

In conclusion, superstitions in Nepal are deeply entrenched, shaping the lives of its people in countless ways. By exploring their historical origins, common manifestations, and underlying drivers, we can begin to unravel their hold on our community. With a commitment to critical thinking and education, we can aspire to a Nepal that is free from the constraints of superstition, where an enlightened community thrives.

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Essay On Superstition

500 words essay on superstition.

Ever since a long time, we have seen man believe in some kind of power unseen. Even though they can’t see it, they feel it is present and working. This is what gives rise to superstitions. They are unreasonable and irrational but they still exist all over the world. Through essay on superstition, we will go through it in detail.

Origin of Superstitions

The man started to believe in superstitions when he got a feeling that humans are at the mercy of natural elements. Similarly, some superstitions were also created because of social values. As a result, people worship forces of nature for a long time.

The Greeks and Pagans used to worship elements of nature in the form of Gods and Goddesses. Same is the case with Indian tradition. People continue to worship the sun, moon, stars, planets, plants and more believing these things have the power to influence our lives.

You might have heard ‘it is because of the impact of some evil star’ and more when a disease overtakes or disaster strikes. Even the people in the West have been believing in them. You will find instances in Shakespeare’s plays where he includes things like omens, witches and more.

In fact, ever since a long time till date, people still consider the number 13 to be unlucky. Similarly, salt spilling over the dinner table is also an ill-omen. In India , people consider the black cat crossing the way to be unlucky. Similar is the case of an owl hooting or a dog wailing.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

India and Superstitions

India has a long history of superstitions. There are many superstitions which people in this country follow. When someone sneezes during the time of departure, people consider it unlucky.

Similarly, when you hear long mewing of a cat, people consider it a bad omen. Alternatively, offering curd before the start of any journey is auspicious. A group which follows superstitions a lot are students appearing for an examination.

Weeks before exams, the visit to temples starts to grow. Some of the students also get a taveez with a lucky stone to help them out. Further, some students place their stationery for the exam in the prayer room.

Most common superstitions include not cutting nails at night, not using the broom after sunset, not opening the scissors without cutting anything, not looking at oneself in a broken mirror and many more.

Even some political leaders in India believe in superstitions. For instance, they wait for an auspicious day to file their nomination or take an oath. In other words, even in the highest places, people do follow superstitions.

Conclusion of the Essay on Superstition

If we look at it closely, there is no logic as such behind the beliefs in superstitions. However, they have grown age-old and despite all the scientific advancement, they are not going anywhere soon. However, it is better to subject ourselves less to them otherwise each moment of our life will be on the edge.

FAQ of Essay on Superstition

Question 1: What are some superstitions followed in India?

Answer 1: In India, people consider the black cat crossing the way to be unlucky. Similar is the case of an owl hooting or a dog wailing. Indians also offer curd before the start of a journey.

Question 2: What is the importance of superstition?

Answer 2: For several people, engaging with superstitious behaviours offers a sense of control and eases anxiety. This is why levels of superstition rise at times of stress and angst. This is mostly the case during times of economic crisis and social uncertainty notably wars and conflicts.

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Quotation of the Day: Nepal’s Grim Superstition, Known to Lead to a Death by Shame

“If a woman goes inside the family’s home during her period, three things will happen. A tiger will come; the house will catch on fire; and the head of the house will get sick.”

RUNCHO , a farmer in Nepal, explaining a deeply entrenched superstition in his part of the country that leads to women being banished from their homes during menstruation.

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Guffgaff: Superstitions

Every society has superstitions, and Nepali happened to have, too. Superstitions are called अन्धविश्वास  (andhabishwas)  in Nepali.  andhabishwas  consists of two words,  ‘andha’  which means  blind  and  bishwas  which means  faith or trust . So  ‘andhabishwas’  literally means ’ Blind Trust ’ or ’ Blind Faith ’.

Here are some noteworthy superstitions you might want to check out:

Whistling at Night:  If you whistle during night times, then you are asking the devil or ghost to come over.

Stepping on a book is bad luck:  More specifically, books have ‘Saraswati Bhagwan’  (Goddess Saraswati)  in them, so if you step on them, it is bad luck unless you ’ dhog ’ (bow) them.

A Cat crossing the road is bad luck:  This is universal. If a cat crosses your road, you must proceed backwards and spit or throw stones. Kind of stupid, really. I just keep walking.  

Leaping over a broom is bad luck:  I don’t know why, but if you leap over a broom, then you will have bad luck. Best to avoid this, really.

Cutting nails at night:  Legend says that if you cut your nail during night time, then something bad will happen tomorrow.

No spit policy:  If someone’s spit accidentally lands on your skin/body, you have to say ‘choko choko’ which I still don’t know what that means

if left eye twitches, it is a bad omen:  There are variations for this, but the general belief is that eye twitching is bad. Some says that if your right eye twitches, then it is good luck.

The sound of dog howling:  It is said that if a dog ‘cries’ (howls) in front of your house, then someone will die from your family. It is said that the dogs can see the souls of humans, and then they cry after seeing this. Ah—uhh!!!

Playing with fire at night equals urination:  This is really wicked. If you play with fire, then you will urinate in bed at night. Most people say this to children.

Odd numbers of food servings:  If you are serving yourself food, then you must never put odd serving, for it is said that odd servings are very unlucky. Better go with two or four servings, and even if you kept one serving that feels like it is enough for you, you should always keep a small serving again to make it even.

Dreamy fishes bring money:  If you see fishes in your dream, then it means that you will get money. Sounds fishy enough. Also applicable if your hand itches.

Stepping on a pillow:  It is said that if you step on a pillow, then you will see bad dreams. Bad nights….

Cawing crows:  If a crow happens to caw on your house, then guests will arrive. Caw caw!

Jumping over legs:  The legs are considered to be ‘respected’ and crossing over them (especially your seniors) is bad.

A knife over life:  If you happened to pass a knife, then you must never give it handle first. Better leave it on the table and they’ll get it themselves! Not only knives, it applies to almost every object!

Touching the neck part:  So apparently, if you touch the neck region, you get a goitre. This is literally stupid, and if you happened to touch the neck of another person, then that person has to ‘blow’ your hand to prevent it.  Fu-gar !

Banging Head with other People:  IF you bang your head accidently with another person’s head, then better bang it again because you will have bad luck if you don’t!

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NEPAL: Witchcraft as a Superstition and a form of violence against women in Nepal

An article by Sujata Paudel published by the Asian Human Rights Commission

Sujata Paudel

Famous Nepali saying states that “the heaven exist there where the women are respected”. This saying underlines the strength of women. The woman is also considered the first teacher in any family who can guide her children and family in the best way. It is the woman who, despite of the many up and downs in her life, plays the key role as daughter, mother, sister and wife and shapes the family, society, country as well as the whole world. In Hindu mythology, many women goddesses also brought esteem for women. In these ancient times the women were independent and fully enjoyed their rights. Great women left their mark and influenced the course of history such as Gautami and Gargi 1  who will never be forgotten. But after the starting of Medieval Epoch (from when the Hindu religion was initiated in the society), the women who were regarded as intellectual, an energy source and caretaker of the whole society were relegated to the second place and all their rights were minimized. The society had not yet established any social, economic, educational, gender norm to control and diminish women’s rights.

Different boundaries were established in the society in the name of cultures and tradition due to which women were regarded as inferior to man and were confined to the household as caretakers of their children and other family members and along with this their rights were also diminished in the name of family reputation and devotion. Thus this belief gave rise to the male dominated society and this patriarchal belief led the women to a most vulnerable situation.

The women who were worshipped as the incarnation of goddess in the ancient eras are now facing different sorts of violence. Violence occurred in their life in different ways such as social, political, economic, sexual violence and so on. Each and every day the media reports stories of violence against women in our society. This violence manifests itself in different forms such as abuse, rapes, sexual harassment in the work place, domestic violence (marital rapes, physical and mental tortures), trafficking of girls or women for sexual and labor exploitation .etc. Forms of violence against the women are the outcome of discrimination due to patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotype such as the determination of harmful traditional practices such as witchcrafts, early marriage, dowry system, polygamy, Chaupadi, Jhuma, Deuki ,Dhan khane, Ghumto pratha etc.

The situation of women indicted with witchcraft A lot of Nepalese women fall victim to accusations of witchcraft and are tortured despite the fact that the accusations are based on superstition. Belief in witchcrafts has prevailed in the underdeveloped and developing countries since ancient times and it is always women who are considered as the practitioner with supernatural powers (i.e. the negative energy that can hepatize the man, animals and other living things and responsible for making them ill or even killing them). It is the result of religious practices and the mentality of the society that it is the women who are always accused. Despite the arrival of the 21st century, the community views towards women has not changed yet and still they are vulnerable to being accused of practicing witchcraft and being tortured by members of their own community. Mostly widows and the elderly with low economic status, especially those who belonged to so called lower caste of Dalits and other marginalized communities are accused of witchcraft. Some people in the Nepalese society continue to believe that the magical powers of these women are responsible for the infirmity of the people.

Women accused of witchcraft are severely traumatized and suffer physical and mental torture. They suffer greatly through being ostracized from the society, battered, fed human excreta, hit with hot spoons in different parts of the body, forced to touch red hot irons, forced to breathe in chili smoke, especially by Jhankris (the witch-doctors), perforated in private organs, offended publicly and it is therefore not surprising that they confess. The deep traumatic impact of such experience cannot only be seen in the lives of the women who are accused of being witches but also felt by their families who pay for that. Often, all the family members are tortured or they are compelled to leave their homes as well as the areas in which they have been residing for many years. The victims lose their self respect in their family and society as well. Some of them are even rejected by their family and their lives become more complex day by day as they are reluctant to return to their own village since the violence they endured is still fresh in their memory with mental and physical disorders. Even if they returned to their society, the insult and torture that they faced will never let them return to normalcy and some of them even commit suicide as it is difficult for them to return to their family and society with the possibility of such an immense accusation being laid yet again.

This is the time when we are raising our voices to call for the protection of women’s rights from their homes to the political sphere. Nevertheless, progress in this direction is slow and limited and humanity is slaughtered each time a woman is accused of witchcraft. Women are repeatedly falling prey to this superstition, which to this day resides in the minds of the community level people, no matter whether they are illiterate or are so called erudite.

Kalli Kumari B.K. of Pyutar-07, Thangsingtole, Lalitpur Nepal who belonged to so called lower caste Dalit community was assaulted, publically humiliated, mercilessly beaten and forced to confess that she practiced witchcraft and compelled her to eat her own excreta by Ms. Bimala Lama who was the Headmistress of the Gadhibhanjyang Primary School of same VDC on 20 March, 2009. According to the victim she accepted the accusation when the perpetrators, along with her sisters, threatened to cut off her breasts. She was made to agree that the animals died in the village because she practiced witchcraft on them and she was also compelled to sign an agreement taking responsibility for any animals that might die in the coming days. Her husband, Chet Bahadur B.K., and her child, were threatened with death if they supported Kalli and raised their voices against them. After the incident a Dalit Right Based NGO including the different organizations and media, and went to the village on March 25 with representatives from the National Dalit Commission, National Women’s Commission, human rights organizations, journalists and a Dalit Constitutional Assembly member .The team, after seeing the hostile environment, rescued Kalli Kumari BK, husband Chet Bahadur, and her 17-year-old daughter. The villagers tried to attack the team using stones and sticks however, the victim and her daughter were rescued and given shelter provided by Maiti Nepal, Kathmandu while her husband has been taking refuge at Chapagaon. Similarly the testimony of the victim was passed out from different news papers and medias along with press conference was also organized at the National Women’s Commission where Mrs. BK gave the details of the trauma she faced. At the same meeting the working committee was also formed to pressurize the authorities for prompt action and the committee too passed a delegation to the Chief District Office (CDO) in Lalitpur on March 29, 2009 to pressure the local government to arrest the culprits, and provide compensation and assistance in protection and resettling the victim’s family. The Chief District Officer (CDO) and Superintendent of the Police (SP) of Lalitpur District claim that they were searching for the culprits, but their efforts to arrest the accused were being foiled by the protesting villagers, and therefore the arrests were delayed. The victim along with her family returned their home after 52 days when they were assured to be safe and received Rs 40,000 as compensation. As the police arrested two of the locals involved in the incident while the main perpetrator Bimala was absconding and arrested after a few days. Now the case’s prosecution is on the process and still the victim is deprived of justice due to lack of appropriate bill on accusing women as witches. 2

In 2011, reports of cases of women being beaten after having been accused of witchcraft were numerous. 41-year-old Gauri Devi Saha of Bara was severely beaten and forced to eat human waste by her neighbors who accused her of having practiced witchcraft on May 5, 2011 and similarly a week after this case another case was also recorded where 61-year-old Man Maya Angbohang, of Taplejung who was an unmarried woman and had been living alone was beaten black and blue by a group of local youths at her residence after accusations of being a witch. She sustained serious injuries during the attack. 3

Recently on 23rd November, 2011 at around 11.30 pm, Samkhu Devi Urawa of Bhokhra-3, Sunsari was attacked with a sharp weapon (Khukuri) on her neck by her own brother in law, Dukhan Lal Urawa who was also working as police officer in Kanchanjunga, Taplejung accusing her of witchcraft and responsible for the death of his mother, Laliya Devi Urawa and brother Dhurpa Urawa, who died two years ago. According to the Raju Manandhar Deputy Sub Inspector of Police, Sunsari the perpetrator was taken into custody on 21st November and he had confessed that he tried to murder of his sister in law. He accused her of witchcraft and the legal process is also going on including the medical treatment of victim. 4

These are the few of the cases in Nepal which exemplifies the accusations of practicing witchcraft where women have to live with dreadful conditions and even pay with their lives. They are not receiving justice. It is not only due to lack of awareness of the people who lay charges against innocent women but in the cases mentioned above we can see some of the so called educated persons who are specially working for society’s welfare are the main perpetrators. Thus this system can be considered as the result of some of the evil traditional belief which passes on from generations to generations.

It is especially difficult to remove this superstition as it has been accepted by the people for generations and is passed down from generation to generation even today. As the most of the cases of witchcrafts are considered as cases of social matters by the people in the community so the perpetrators attempt to settle the cases within the community with some amount of compensation outside the formal legal process. It is only when the cases is considered as assault and attempt to murder that it comes for the appeal of Justice.

Violence against women has been declared an illegal act and punishable by law in Nepal. Although the country has passed out laws and different provisions for women along with this according to the Country’s Interim Constitution, Part 3 ‘Fundamental Right’, Article 20 ‘Rights of Women’ explains that “ no one shall be discriminated in any form merely for being a woman and no physical, mental or any other form of violence shall be inflicted to any woman, and such an act shall be punishable by law “. Nevertheless, there is still no law specifically criminalizing attacks on women accused of witchcraft.

The ratification of CEDAW by the country mandates the state to bring cases violence against women to an end and to suppress the stereotypes and harmful traditional practices which trigger such violence. In the 2004 review of Nepal, CEDAW urged the government to take steps to abolish those harmful and discriminatory traditional practices concerns. Similarly the 49th session of CEDAW held on 29 July 2011 5  had followed up that recommendation and issued the same areas of concern and recommendations, asking the state to take further action to eradicate harmful traditional practices, specifically quoting accusations of witchcraft as such harmful practices. The reiteration of CEDAW observation shows that the State action has been insufficient in that aspect.

In particular, no law has been adopted to criminalize specifically the act of accusing women of witchcraft. A bill against such practices is under discussion in the Parliament, but it remains to be seen whether its dispositions are protecting enough of the victims’ access to justice. Prosecutions of assaults against women accused of witchcraft remain ongoing and in the cases which are observed up to now, the women have had a very limited access to justice. As a result, victims will not seek justice, thinking they will never receive it.

The society’s attitude to women has evolved a lot in comparison with ancient times. Women are little by little becoming more visible in different sectors of the society. But cases of violence against women persist and illustrate how the strict hierarchical society continues to control and impact their lives. This brings out the most controversial position of women in the society.

Women victimized as witches cannot receive access to justice nor recover the respect that she once had. Even in the rare cases that victims can get justice or in which the perpetrators confess and grant the victim some compensation, the victim’s self dignity is never fully repaired. It is hard for her to reintegrate into her community as she suffers from mental pain over and over again. She can never come out from such a dreadful condition where she was ill treated, battered, fed human excreta, tortured with hot spoons in different parts of the body, perforated in her private organs and offended publicly.

Although most of the civil society and the local and central authorities are conscious about the situation, not much has been done from the side of the State to overcome that situation. Some argue that the state is pretending to be asleep, as per the saying “it is more difficult to awaken the people pretending to be asleep than to wake up the real sleeper”.

Nepal has pledged to uphold women’s rights through the ratification of international conventions, including CEDAW. Nevertheless, those pledges have not been made reality yet and most of the commitments contained in the ratification have not been implemented. It is the first and foremost responsibility of the nation to establish such a law which would never let any person to accuse the women on such a way where she is not only tortured in the name of tradition but also loses her dignity. In addition to this the awareness raising and educational efforts targeted all the people with the involvement of civil society as well as community and religious leaders should be fortified from the State’s side and it also must be dutiful for passing the comprehensive strategy and the draft law about social harmful practices; should promptly enact on the law ensuring the full implementation of the drafted law without any delay where complete monitoring must be considered the most.

In addition the women who are accused with such a humiliating treatment should be brought back to the society where they should not face the problem of frustration in which all the civil societies, stakeholders, leaders, activists and journalist can play the key role by forwarding the message of positive thinking in the people of the society and develop society with impartiality.

——

1 Mahaprajapati Gautami Theri – Princess, Queen, Saint, & Sage,  http://www.rinpoche.com/stories/mahagotami.htm  and Subhamoy Das, Four Famous Female Figures of Vedic India About Ghosha, Lopamudra, Maitreyi and Gargi,  http://hinduism.about.com/od/history/a/ghosha_lopamudra_maitreyi_gargi.htm 2 AHRC, NEPAL: Dalit woman assaulted, publicly humiliated and forced to eat human excreta , Asian Human Rights Commission – Urgent Appeals Programme , April 6, 2009  http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAC-038-2009 3 PEACEWOMEN.org ,Witchcrafts cases in Nepal,  http://www.peacewomen.org/news_article.php?id=3531&type=news 4 EKANTIPUR,NEPAL, Brother-in -law attempt of murder accusing witch ,November 27,  http://www.ekantipur.com/kantipur/news/news-detail.php?news_id=257413 5 UN WOMEN, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 2011  http://cedaw-seasia.org/docs/general/20110328_CEDAW_texconv.pdf

————–

The views shared in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the AHRC, and the AHRC takes no responsibility for them.

About the Author: Sujata Paudel is the Palpa District President of the Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO), Nepal. She works for the defence of the rights of women from the Dalit community. For more information, visit www.fedonepal.org; she is currently completing an internship with the Asian Human Rights Commission.

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10 Superstitions You Will Come Across In Nepal

Many people believe that spitting on hair clumps would protect them from witches and birds. It is believed that if birds get hold of your hair, and wove it into their nest, the owner of the hair would get mad.

It is also believed that spitting would protect one from the harmful magic of the witches as they can use the hair for nasty spells and it would harm the person it belongs to.

It is believed that stepping on something holy such as a god’s picture or monument can bring you bad luck and lead to future misfortunes.

Sex is considered only for married couples, and getting sexual before your marriage is considered as a disgrace to the society.

Right hand should be considered as dominant hand for eating and doing all other activities, while, left hand should be used for cleaning your butt after you defecate.

It is impolite to touch an adult’s head as it is considered disrespectful and rude to do so.

One should never keep their shoes or sandals upside down because it is believed that doing so brings some sort of bad luck to you.

One cannot cut their hair or shave on their birthday because doing so is not considered good for one’s financial situation.

Red chilies with lemon are used to protect one from bad spirits and ward off bad luck.

Spilling rice on the floor and walking on it is considered as an insult to the Hindu Goddess of food and one should immediately clean the rice before stepping on it.

It is believed that one shouldn’t say a young baby healthy or fat as doing so will make him/her sick.

Written by Rashmi Lohia

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Table of Contents

• 1. Travel and Holidays
• 2. Health and Hygiene
• 3. Family, Market and Public Places
• 4. Life and Death
• 5. Ethics, Norms and Values
• 6. Custom and Culture
• 7. Ecology and Environment
• 8. Science and Technology
• 9. Science and Technology
• 10. The Earth and Space
• 11. Gadgets and Instruments
• 12. People and Places
• 13. Organization Profile and Authority
• 14. History and Civilization
• 15. People and Lifestyle
• 16. Games and Sports
• 17. Global Warming & Climate Change
• 18. Transportation & Communication
• 1. Current Affairs & Issues
• 2. Festivals & Celebration
• 3.Health & Wellness
• 4. Work & Leasure
• 5. Science & Experiments
• 6. Food & Cuisine
• 7. Cyber Security
• 8. Hobbies & Interest
• 9. History & Culture
• 10. Games & Sports
• 11. Ethics & Morality
• 12. Nature & Development
• 13. Population & Migration
• 14. Travell & Adventure
• 15. People & Places
• 16. Success & Celebration
• 17. Countries & Towns
• 18. Media & Entertainment
• 1. Language Development
• 2. Literature Development
• 3. Model Questions
• 4. References

A Few Kind Words For Superstitions: [Humor and Satire] Summary and Exercise: [NEB English: Grade - 12]

Main summary of the text, a. match the following..

B. Find the contextual meaning of the following words from the text and then use them in sentences of your own.

condemn - to express disapproval

The prime minister condemned the terrorists.

We condemn that useless violence in our country.

Don’t condemn her before you hear the evidence.

terror -  feeling extreme fear

She lived in terror of being caught.

They lived their lives in intense terror. 

We found anger and terror on her face.

unbidden - without being asked, invited, or expected

She shook her head to remove the unbidden thoughts.

He came to the party unbidden.

persist - continue to exist

If the problem persists, try to meet her.

Rupa rejected his proposal for dating, but he persisted and asked her again.

Alcohol and tobacco consumption by young people is especially worrisome because habits formed early are likely to persist.

devout - deeply religious

His father is a devout Buddhist.

He is devout but his manners aren't good.

We are very devout.

banish - expel from a community or group

He was determined to banish all people of his village.

He was banished from his state for his activities.

You must try to banish all thoughts of revenge from your mind. 

creed - any system of principles or beliefs

I live by a certain creed, one that runs in our family.

Other countries have adopted this political creed enthusiastically.

Their creeds will surely help them to settle an ideal state.

hasten -  move faster or act quickly

I hasten to add that I knew nothing of the fraud at the time.

The edge in his voice made her hasten her step.

He hastened his servant to go away from his house.

sober -  become more realistic/lacking brightness or colour

He was as sober as a policeman.

If we try, we will find a sober solution.

He talked to us in a sober friendly fashion.

scorn - lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

She felt scorn for her working-class parents.

She scorned people of slum areas.

Many women scorn the use of make-up.

yearning - the prolonged unfulfilled desire or need

They had a deep yearning for their homeland.

He had a deep yearning for his homeland.

He found himself yearning for friends again. 

aloof - remote in a manner/distant

She stood aloof from the crowd.

His aloof response made her lookup.

She seems quite aloof at the party.

Swarthy -naturally having the skin of a dark colour/dark-skinned

My friend is skinny, with a swarthy complexion.

He has a swarthy complexion.

He had a broad swarthy face.

humbler - low or inferior in quality/low/

The leader of a third troop took a humbler tone.

He has shown his humbler qualities to his master.

Comprehension

A. according to the author, what are the four types of superstition.

Ans: According to the author, the four types of superstition are as follows:

▪Vain Observances

▪Divination

▪Idolatry

▪Improper Worship of the True God.

b) Which language is the word ‘superstition’ derived from? What does it mean?

Ans: Superstition comes from the Latin supersisto, meaning to stand in terror of the Deity.

c. How do psychologists understand superstition?

Ans: Psychologists understand superstition as a compulsion that neurosis does not banish.

d) How does superstition differ from religion?

Ans: Religion depends on God but superstition depends on supernatural things.

e. What is the belief of some people in Middle Europe about sneezing?

Ans: Some people of Middle Europe believe that when a person sneezes, his/her soul is absent from the body for a moment and they hasten to bless him.

f) In the author’s view, why are people so fascinated by superstition?

Ans: People are so fascinated about superstition because it is in general linked to man’s yearning to know his fate, and to have some hand in deciding it.

Critical thinking

A. what is the key takeaway of this essay do you think that this essay is satirical why.

Yes, this essay is satirical because it satirizes those educated and uneducated people who are the victim of it. It satirizes the tendency of people to follow whatever they listen unknowingly.

The essay aims to convey the message that we are following superstition knowingly and unknowingly. Every individual no matter how logical or rational he/she is carries superstitions. The essayist believes that many superstitions are widespread and too old that must have risen from a depth of human mind that is indifferent to any race or creed.

B) Can education bring change in the belief of superstition? Present your arguments to support your answer.

Education may bring change in the belief of superstition. Education can make people less superstitious. At least educated people are more likely to send the sick to the hospital than to call priests to cast out demons in order to cure the sick. Education provides an understanding of the diseases, the cause and the cure of the diseases.

Quality education can bring change in the belief of superstition. A good education will make people aware of the bad impacts of it on their lives. So, this essay is indirectly suggesting to us the message that proper education can stop the influence of superstition. We live in the modern world but our beliefs are superstitious. It is destroying our healthy life.

A) Write an essay on superstitions that exists in your community in about 250 words.

Superstitions are widespread. They are found throughout the world among people in some form or the other. The more prevalent among illiterate and uneducated people. With the advancement of knowledge, learning and science, they are gradually losing ground, yet they hold their sway even among educated people of the society.

Superstitions are as old as man. The earliest men who had no scientific knowledge fell on easy prey to superstition. Thus, illiteracy and lack of knowledge and capacity to reason out are the hotbeds that generate and perpetuate superstition.

Mahatma Buddha was probably the first great man to expound and explain the value and significance of reason which eliminated superstition altogether. He emphasized that everything should be thoroughly studied, judged and tested before being believed. Later, many other great men like Guru Nanak and Kabir exhorted the people to shun superstitions. Many people may believe that faith is also a form of superstition. But, as we can see if we think deeply, there is a difference. Faith is a positive factor whereas superstition is a negative factor.

Earlier, superstition was rampant in villages. The belief in ghosts was common. It was believed that these ghosts operated at night and that they were visible to some people and invisible to others. Taking advantage of this many clever men burned into tan tricks and controllers of ghosts. They cheated the gullible villagers. Unfortunately, even at present, such clever men are at work. There are many kinds of superstitions that are observed by common people. The throbbing of eyes, a cat crossing our way, coming across a Brahmin-all these are believed to be inauspicious. The cawing of a crow indicated the possibility of a guest visiting our house that day. Similarly, if we come across a sweeper early in the morning, it is considered to be auspicious.

We should try to develop a scientific spirit of mind and judge everything on the basis of reason.

B) “Superstition is prevalent in every walk of life.” Argue for or against this statement.

Yes, Superstition is prevalent in every walk of life. We are knowingly or unknowingly following it. Most of the people are victims of it in every walk of life. Our society is following it blindly. It will hinder the development process of our society. We live in the modern world but our beliefs are superstitious. It is destroying our healthy life.

In fact, ever since a long time till date, people still consider the number 13 to be unlucky. Similarly, salt spilling over the dinner table is also an ill-omen. In Nepal, people consider the black cat crossing the way to be unlucky. Similar is the case of an owl hooting or a dog wailing.

If we look at it closely, there is no logic as such behind the beliefs in superstitions. However, they have grown age-old and despite all the scientific advancement, they are not going anywhere soon and hence they are prevalent in every walk of life.

B. Put the verb into the correct form, present simple or present continuous.

a. Nisha..........(speak) English very well.

Ans: Nisha speaks English very well.

b. Hurry up! We.......(wait) for you.

Ans: Hurry up! We are waiting for you.

C. Excuse me!.......(you/speak) English?

Ans:  Excuse me! Do you speak English?

d. She.......(have) a shower in the bathroom.

Ans: She is having a shower in the bathroom.

e. How often.......(you/read) a newspaper?

Ans: How often do you read a newspaper?

f. I'm sorry, I.........(not/understand). Can you speak more slowly?

Ans: I'm sorry, I don’t understand. Can you speak more slowly?

g. You can turn off the radio. I......(not/listen) to it.

Ans:  You can turn off the radio. I am not listening to it.

h. I usually.........(get up) at 5 o'clock every morning.

Ans: I usually get up at 5 o'clock every morning.

i. Look! The river.........(flow) very fast.

Ans: Look! The river is flowing very fast.

j. Amrita.......(not/seem) very happy at the moment.

Ans: Amrita does not seem very happy at the moment.

C. Are the underlined verbs in the correct form? Correct them where necessary.

a. Water boils at 100° C.

Ans: Water boils at 100° C.

b. The water boils. Can you turn it off?

Ans: The water is boiling. Can you turn it off?

c. I must go now. It gets late.

Ans: I must go now. It is getting late.

d. This sauce's tasting really good.

Ans: This sauce tastes really good.

e. I'm thinking this is your key.

Ans: I think this is your key.

f. Are you believing in God?

Ans: Do you believe in God?

g. I usually go to school on foot.

Ans: I usually go to school on foot.

h. Look! That man tries to open the door of her car.

Ans: Look! That man is trying to open the door of her car.

i. The moon is going around the earth.

Ans: The moon goes around the sun.

j. I'm getting hungry. Let's go and eat.

Ans: I'm getting hungry. Let's go and eat.

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Blinknow foundation, chhaupadi prama in nepal.

Kopila Valley student, Deepa Nepali, recently wrote an essay for our partners at She's The First to share her experience with Chhaupadi, a unique tradition practiced by girls and women in Nepal during menstruation. In this blog, Deepa explains why she hopes Nepal will move away from this tradition.

by Deepa Nepali

Chhaupadi is a tradition practiced by girls and women in Nepal during menstruation. In this, women are kept in the the cow shed of a separate place (also called a chhau goth ) for 13 days during their first period and for 5–7 days of each month during menstruation for the rest of their lives. The Nepalese people believe the chhaupadi pratha should be honestly followed because of religious beliefs toward Hindu Gods. People think that women on their period are impure and can’t perform daily activities. It’s believed that if the rules aren’t followed, the Hindu Gods will be angry and put curses on the family. Often times if the rule is broken you’ll see elders in the family shaking, trembling, and shouting. Whenever anything bad happens, like a snake coming near the house, or a relative becoming ill, it is most often blamed on these rules not being followed. When the rules are broken, a big ceremony needs to happen and the girl or woman must apologize to the Gods by saying that she won’t do this again and promising to follow the rules in the future. Oftentimes, an animal such as a chicken or goat in sacrificed to honor the Gods.

This tradition is followed strictly in the far western and mid-western districts but it is observed across the entire country. It doesn’t even distinguish between different castes or socio-economic groups. When women stay in the shed, they are only provided with a small gundri (a thin mat made of straw) or a thin-layered rug. The reason bed sheets and blankets aren’t given is that the family wouldn’t be able to use them again. You can imagine during the winter months, especially in the mountains, that there is extremely cold weather.

The chhau goth where Deepa spent her first menstrual cycle.

A few months ago in Palatie village in Western Nepal, a young girl lost her life while following the chhaupadi practice. When women from the village found out, they had a big rally and destroyed the chhau goth where the girl died as a symbol that this tradition needs to stop. To me, this shows that women are making progress and realizing that it’s time to stop this practice.

I had my first period when I was 12 years old. It was in November, and it was cold, and I was banished to stay at my neighbor’s [because we don’t have a chhau goth at our home]. I slept in their shed on the floor on a straw mat and used my jacket as a pillow. I wasn’t allowed to go to my house for 13 days. I wasn’t even allowed to look in the direction of my house, or even talk to my family members, particularly the males. I love papaya, and I remember vividly being told that I wasn’t allowed to eat the papaya because it is considered a holy fruit and if I touched it, the entire tree would rot. I couldn’t drink cow’s milk for this reason as well, because the cow symbolizes Goddess Laxmi mata. It is believed that if we drink milk during menstruation than the cow will stop giving milk because of the curse. It’s the same for oil which is also considered holy. We can’t put oil on our bodies or in our hair. We can’t touch the water source. We can’t cook food. We can’t physically touch anyone. After those first 13 days I bathed, received new clothes, and drank some drops of cow urine to purify myself. After this, I was allowed to go home.

I’m a student at Kopila Valley School . In biology and health class we have learned about the reason for menstruation. We understand the implications and the fact that this is a natural occurrence in the human body. Most of us even understand that it’s not sinful or a curse. However we don’t want to be blamed for the misfortune or bad things that happen to our family, so still we feel like we need to follow the practice. Most women in my village practice forms of chhaupadi .

The interior view of the chhau goth.

I think it’s worth noting that in previous decades there was no such thing as menstrual pads and sanitary napkins so when women were bleeding it was thought of as dirty and impure. But now, with increased access to sanitary pads, there is no reason for this fear.

It’s hard to believe that this custom is still happening in the 21st century. I do think we should know better. I want to be clear that I also believe in the beautiful traditions and religious customs of my country. I love Nepal. I want to respect and follow our culture and our religious beliefs and emulate these traditions some day in my own family. But to me, chhaupadi is an outdated tradition based on fear and misunderstanding, and I do think this is one tradition we should stop practicing. I consider it more of a superstition than a religious practice.

Women in Nepal shouldn’t have to sleep in conditions worse than a prison simply because their body is doing something natural. They should be empowered to make the decision of whether or not they want to practice chhaupadi on their own, instead of being intimidated into following this.

Thank you, all of you, for helping us to empower the Kopila women and girls to stand up for their rights.

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Introduction

A social problem is a social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy. Social problems are the general factors that affect the society. Social problems often involve problems that affect real life. It also affects how people react to certain situations. People practice and promote social evils because they are ignorant of the adversities. social problems are great hindrances to our peace, security, harmony, well-being and development.

The personal interesting or to willful one’s personal of the people at the cost of others rights, dignity, health, safety, and socio-cultural values can be called Social problems; such as Girl trafficking, forced, smoking in public, gambling, unwilling physical relationship between two individuals of opposite sex, drug misuse, violence, against women, theft, robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape, corruption, drinking alcohol and misbehaving in public places or at home places these are the examples of social problems. Such social problems are greater hindrances to make the peace, well-being, development of our country, security, harmony etc.

These problems are too complex to be solved. All the causes of any given problem are too complicated and interrelated to be changed successfully. Problems are embedded in the nature of society. Social problems are the general factors that affect the society. Social problems often involve problems that affect real life. It also affects how people react to certain situations. People practice and promote social evils because they are ignorant of the adversities. There are lots of NGOs and INGOs which are working to eliminate social problems. The awareness programs they introduce do not reach to the actual victims. Social problems represent conditions that should not be allowed to continue because they are perceived to be problems for society, requiring society to react to them and find remedies.

We have seen that social problems are ‘social’ in the sense that they capture public attention. They are more than private troubles, perhaps through reasons of scale but certainly because they are able to connect with other public issues, values and concerns for example, with contemporary concerns about social justice or social order. They are historically and culturally specific – that is, they belong to, or are visible in, particular societies at particular times. Finally, while they may be associated with changing social conditions (a rise or fall in the numbers of people in a particular condition such as poverty or homelessness), their status as social problems depend upon how they are perceived. If, for example, a condition such as homelessness is seen as a matter of individual choice or misfortune, it is unlikely to be viewed as a ‘social’ problem requiring public attention and action. A process of social construction determines both which issues are defined as social problems and the ways in which they are defined as such.

Social Problems, its cause and solution in Nepal

Nepal is one of the underdeveloped countries of the world. There are different social problems and evils in the society. Social problems and evils are issues which affect the members of a society. A social problem is normally a term used to describe problems with a particular area or group of people in the world. Some of the common social evils would be alcoholism, racism, child abuse, etc. It also affects how people react to certain situations. Nepal is facing a large number of social problems such as caste system, child labor, illiteracy, gender inequality, superstitions, religious conflicts and much more. A single person is not responsible for these social problems. It is high time to get relief of these undesirable social evils. Illiteracy and poverty are also the major root causes of social evils. Social problems and evils are the barriers to development and progress.

27% of the population is under absolute poverty. Because of poor growth in the agricultural sector, living standards in rural areas causes poverty. The growing population has put heavy pressure on cultivable land. The superstitious beliefs which are deeply rooted in Nepalese societies are also promoting social problems. People believe in various traditions which would not let an individual to progress. This happens because people are innocent. Untouchability was legally prohibited on 2020 BS but it is deep rooted still now. Deuki system is one of the evil social practices or tradition or culture in the hilly area of the far western region, poor people offer their young daughter to the god. Dowry system is the practice in which cash or goods given to bridegroom from the bride’s father in the marriage ceremony. There is a belief that grown-up daughters are not supposed to be kept in home for the too long time so their marriage is done in the early age, which causes mental and physical problems and then causes the pre-mature death of the mother.

In the context of Nepal, still many people consider women as weak in comparison to men. Many people still think that women are created to serve men. People still treat daughters as some commodities which can be traded among the people. Many people still believe that girls should not be educated. The parents aborting a baby girl is one of the main examples of gender discrimination in our society. Caste Discrimination was the root cause of the 'civil war' in Nepal. The use of alcohol, smoking, addiction to drugs, is devouring the youth of the country. Some of them really don’t know the effects of such habits. Corruption is a form of dishonesty or abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It is an illegal act of an office-holder. . Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Most abused children suffer greater emotional than physical damage.

Some of the main causes of social problems in Nepal are as follows:

➢ Poverty, unemployment and inequality

➢ Corruption

➢ Illiteracy

➢ Superstitious beliefs

➢ Radical values and beliefs

➢ Population growth

➢ Unmanaged urbanization

➢ Decline of values

➢ Drugs and alcohol

The solution of the social problem is to be found in the problem itself. The major approaches and appropriate solutions to most of the social problems are:

➢ Public Awareness

➢ Strong rules and regulation

➢ Implementation of rules

 ➢ Positive attitude

➢ Intolerance

➢ Media approach

➢ Harmony and Humanity

The major 50 social problems of Nepal with their best solution is listed below:

Capacity Building and enhancement of the people such that they can make the best utilization of the locally available resources to earn their live hood and live a quality of life.

Food security should be ensured enhancing agriculture with use of modern technology and knowledge and subsidy for poor people.

3. Unemployment

Enhancing entrepreneurship and establishment of small, medium and large scaled industries to provide employment opportunities to all based on their skills.

 4. Corruption

Good governance with transparency in each sector with enhancing accountability and feeling of responsibility.

5. Illiteracy

Education should be provided free of cost to all the people along with increasing awareness among the people.

Strict implementation of rules and regulation with ensuring suitable environment for the victims to continue their daily life.

7. Gender Discrimination

Both genders should be provided with equal opportunity with equity being ensured between both to achieve equality.

8. Girls Trafficking

Proper security against trafficking at borders. Awareness should be provided to all about the traffickers with addition about girls trafficking in the curriculum.

9. Drug Addition

Youths and children should be monitored with parental support and made devoid of free time for negative influence with good self-control.

10. Alcoholism

Alcohol should be made available at limited places only with developing responsible behavior of human awaring them about alcoholism.

11. Domestic Violence

Empowering women in the house and making them self-dependent so that they can get involved in social activities and fight against domestic violence.

12. Abortion of Female Fetus

Gender identification and abortion before birth should be made illegal awaring people about the gender equality.

13.GenderPay Gap

All should be provided their deserving salary and wages irrespective of their gender by creating a proper regulating body to ensure there is no gender pay gap

14. Untouchability (Chhuwachhut Pratha)

Harmony environment should be created in the society with strong implementation of rules and regulation against untouchability.

15. Dowry System (Daijo pratha)

Discouraging dowry system during marriage with strong implementation of rules and regulation against untouchability.

16. Caste Discrimination

Harmony should be created among the people with the love and humanity between the people of different cast.

17. Early marriage

Awareness among the people regarding the marriage at mature age with proper guidance from the parents.

18. Sexual Assault

Provision of self defense training to women building a safe environment with strong laws against sexual assault.

19. Political instability

Good governance insures political stability with responsible citizens performing their duties and responsibility.

20. Population growth

Awareness programme should be created about the family planning and its effect on population growth along with devices of family planning made available free of cost to the poor and rural population.

21. Smuggling

Proper security at Border with strong rules being implemented against smuggling activities.

22. Robbery and Theft

Strict Implementation of rules and regulation creating a secure environment against robbery and theft.

23. Child Labor

People enforcing children in labor should be strictly punished. All the children should be provided with their basic child right.

24. Drug Abuse

Awareness against the drug abuse among the youth ensuring strong Punishment against drug traffickers.

25. Vandalism

People should be made responsible and conscious to their duties and responsibilities.

26. Class Discrimination / classism

Poor people should be empowered and provided with all the services and facilities as rich people to end classism.

27. Black marketing

Market should be well regulated forming a governing body in each market and punishing the people creating inflation and black market.

28. Pollution

People should be awared of measures to reduce pollution and strict implementation of laws and regulations against poverty.

29. Superstitious

Belief Awareness among the people educating the people against the false superstitious belief.

30. WitchCraft

Formation of Strong rules and regulation against the abuse of witchcraft with awareness among people.

31. Child marriage (Bal Bibaha)

Parental guidance should be provided with awareness among the people about disadvantages of child marriage.

32. Injustice

There should be equal justice to every citizen of the nation with strong rules and regulation being implemented.

33. Chhaupati pratha

People should be educated about this condition and wider awareness programs must be conducted in many places.

34. Nepotism

Free competition should be ensured in every sector with strong rules and regulation against Nepotism.

35. Child Abuse

Child Abuse should be included in the curriculum of study with awareness being raised among all the people.

36.Animal Abuse

Formation of Commission to protect Animal Right with punishment for abusing the street or domesticated animals.

37. Gambling

Strict implementation of rules and regulations against gambling involving people more towards their jobs and employment.

38. Abuse of Social Media

Cyber Crime monitoring institution should be formed to regulate social media.

39. Bullying

Create an identity safeguard and develop feeling of respect and love among each other.

40. Hunting and Poaching

Strong punishment for hunters and poachers with protection of Endangered animals.

41. Migrant Workers

Creating employment opportunities within the country without the dependence on the remittance.

42. Loss of ethnicity

Preservation of own culture and tradition ensuring proper transfer of ethnicity within generations.

43. Campus Crime

Proper administration by the campus administrative body with punishment for the students creating crimes in campus.

44. Marginalization

Upliftment of economic status of people reducing poverty and unemployment problem.

45. More Import

Industrialization and increasing the productivity with the utilization of local resources.

46. Tolerance

Empowering and making strong mental mindset reducing the tolerance of people against the wrong activities.

47. Drunk Driving

Strong implementation of rules and regulation against drinking and drive with proper checking by the traffic police.

48. Discrimination of disabled people

Facilities for disabled people and awareness programs.

49. Political Conflict

Increasing social harmony and love among the people respecting the believes of eachother.

50. Unmanaged Urbanization

Rural areas should be provided with all the required infrastructures as urban areas with management of the developing cities.

Conclusion:

There are many social issues that affect our country day in and day out. Many individuals see these dilemmas very differently offering up various solutions to fix them and even various proposals as to why they occur. However, because of the unpredictability in the frequency and method of these social issues, they cannot be eradicated and therefore they must try to simply be contained. The only way to improve these situations, let alone solve them, is to keep trying and to keep listening to what everyone, not just the ones who agree with us, have to say. We can still solve it by providing technical education to youths, establishing factories, industries and bringing reform in our traditional agriculture and cottage industries with strong implementation of rules and regulations.

• High School

An essay on superstition that exists in Nepal ​

Ai-generated answer.

• 3.6K answers
• 36.5M people helped

Superstition is a belief or practice based on irrational or unfounded assumptions. Superstitions exist in almost every part of the world, and Nepal is no exception. Nepal is a country that has a rich cultural heritage and traditions that are deeply rooted in superstitions. Many people in Nepal continue to practice these beliefs, even in modern times.

One of the most prevalent superstitions in Nepal is the belief in the supernatural. Many people believe in ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural beings that are said to inhabit certain places or objects. For example, many people believe that spirits inhabit certain trees or stones and that these spirits can bring good luck or bad luck depending on how they are treated.

Another common superstition in Nepal is related to astrology. Many people consult astrologers to predict their future and make important life decisions. Astrology is believed to have the power to influence one's life, and many people rely on it to guide them in their daily lives.

One of the most controversial superstitions in Nepal is the belief in the caste system. The caste system is a social hierarchy that divides people into different classes based on their birth. It is a deeply entrenched system that has been in place for centuries, and many people still believe in its legitimacy. However, there has been a growing movement to abolish the caste system and promote equality among all people in recent years.

Despite the growing awareness of the negative effects of superstitions, many people in Nepal still hold on to their beliefs. Some people argue that superstitions provide comfort and a sense of control in an unpredictable world. Others argue that superstitions are harmful and can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and violence.

In conclusion, superstitions exist in Nepal in various forms and are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and traditions of the country. Although some people continue to hold on to these beliefs, there is a growing awareness of their negative effects on society. As Nepal moves towards a more modern and progressive society, it is important to recognize the harmful effects of superstitions and work towards creating a more rational and evidence-based society.

Explanation:

• 10.5K answers
• 2.2M people helped

Final answer:

Nepal is rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and superstitions, especially relating to the blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. Superstitions are deeply ingrained in daily life and contribute to Nepal's mystic allure, as seen in places like the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and the experiences of pilgrims. While tourism has highlighted these aspects, it also demands infrastructural development.

Nepal, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes like the misty rice fields in the Terai Lowlands and the towering peaks of Mount Everest, is steeped in rich cultural practices and superstitions. While tourism has brought attention to the nation's natural beauty and heritage, significant tourist attractions also include the blending of Hinduism and Buddhism, which informs local superstitions and practices. In the capital city of Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath Temple stands as a testament to the deep religious roots where Shiva is revered as the guardian deity, and it is a pilgrimage site that attracts both Hindus and Buddhists.

In Nepalese society, superstitions are integral, with cultural narratives often involving elements that lack empirical evidence but hold profound symbolic meaning for the locals. These beliefs manifest in everyday life and rituals, contributing to the mystic allure that captivates visitors and researchers alike. The 2013 documentary Manakamana , for instance, offers a glimpse into the lives of Nepalese pilgrims journeying to a mountaintop temple, highlighting how belief and landscape intertwine in this nation. This aspect is part of Nepal's appeal to tourists looking for authentic cultural experiences, despite the fact that infrastructure development is necessary to support the growing tourism industry.

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an essay on superstition

Friday, may 31, 2013, secularism in nepal.

Thank u so much... Jennifer Thompson

Write an essay on superstitions that exists in your community in about 250 words.

im helpless

Superstitions in My Community

Superstitions are a common aspect of many cultures, and my community is no exception. In the my community, there are a variety of superstitions that are believed to bring good luck, ward off bad luck, or protect against supernatural forces.

One common superstition in my community is the belief in the evil eye, which is thought to bring misfortune to those who are the target of envy or jealousy. To protect against the evil eye, people may wear amulets or talismans, or they may hang blue beads or eye-shaped charms in their homes or on their clothing.

Another superstition in my community is the belief in the power of mantras, or sacred words or phrases, to bring good fortune or protection. Many people believe that reciting certain mantras or performing rituals can bring blessings or ward off evil.

In my community, there are also a number of superstitions related to childbirth and pregnancy. For example, some people believe that it is unlucky for a pregnant woman to see a funeral or to be in the presence of sharp objects, as it is thought that these things could harm the unborn child. There are also a number of superstitions related to the naming of children, such as the belief that certain names are more auspicious than others.

Overall, superstitions play a significant role in the Nepalese community, and many people continue to believe in and follow these traditional practices in spite of the lack of scientific evidence to support them.

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