{
  "id": 16417333,
  "title": "Who Needs Halloween? India Has Nimbu Mirchi, Churels And Plenty Of Things That Go Bump In The Night",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/who-needs-halloween-india-has-nimbu-mirchi-churels-and-plenty-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T01:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/who-needs-halloween-india-has-nimbu-mirchi-churels-and-plenty-of-things-that-go-bump-in-the-night"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Halloween may parade with its ghoulish decorations and candy, but India has its own eerie traditions that have been instilled in its people for centuries. Rather than relying on imported customs, the nation's residents have cultivated a rich legacy of superstitions, rooted in folklore and passed down through generations. These traditions, though often dismissed by the rational mind, possess a peculiar power that continues to hold sway over the collective psyche.\n\nEvery Saturday, a simple string of one lemon and seven green chillies hangs from shop shutters and auto rickshaws, acting as a protective charm against Alakshmi, the goddess of misfortune. The lemon is believed to deter her, while the chillies mask her scent. On the final Saturday of each month, the string is discarded at a crossroads, carrying away the week's ill fortune. Another common practice involves applying a small black dot, kaala teeka, to a baby's face or behind the ear, supposedly to avoid the malevolent gaze of the evil eye, or nazar.\n\nSuperstitions permeate various aspects of daily life, from the way one navigates the house to the timing of sneezes. Swearing off household chores after dark, such as sweeping or washing hair, is deemed vital to retaining Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Additionally, individuals often refrain from handing a knife directly, instead placing it down first, and avoid calling out to someone leaving the house, for fear of jinxing their journey. Even the act of sneezing before departing becomes a moment of hesitation, prompting a pause before resuming one's journey.\n\nThese beliefs, while seemingly irrational, serve a purpose beyond mere superstition. They provide a sense of comfort and protection in a world rife with uncertainties. Clinical psychologist Rithika Krishnan explains that the human brain is wired to seek out potential dangers, even in the absence of concrete proof. This innate fear mechanism can be amplified by the power of repetition and association, leading individuals to develop irrational fears and superstitions.\n\nIndia's folklore is replete with tales of terrifying entities. The churel, a vengeful spirit believed to haunt women who died during childbirth or experienced mistreatment, is one such example. With her feet facing backward, the churel is said to appear at night, captivating the attention of weary travelers. Historical accounts suggest that families buried women who died in childbirth with thorns and heavy stones to prevent her return.\n\nOther folklore abounds with the presence of spirits in peepal trees and the ominous hoots of owls. These creatures are viewed as ominous presences, capable of causing misfortune or even death. The fear of these supernatural beings is deeply ingrained in the minds of the people, often stemming from childhood experiences and the influence of trusted elders.\n\nThe power of storytelling in India is undeniable. The nimbu mirchi, the kaala teeka, and the countless other superstitions are narratives that have been carefully crafted and perpetuated over time. These stories have the ability to infiltrate the subconscious, producing a lasting impact on individuals' perceptions and behaviors. In a country where fear is a potent force, the need for Halloween pales in comparison to the rich tapestry of superstitions that already exists. As long as these tales continue to captivate and terrify, India will continue to thrive on the edge of fear, finding its own unique brand of spookiness.",
  "summary": "You don't believe in ghosts. You are a rational, educated, tax-paying adult who has read enough science to know that a black cat is just a cat with dark fur and a bad PR problem. And yet, when your mother calls to say ‘don't cut your nails after sunset,’ something in you quietly obeys. Not because you believe it. But because what if. That ‘what if’ is the engine that powers every superstition in…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}