Bangladeshis are often said to live with around 400 folk superstitions, a vibrant mix of rural wisdom, Islamic notions of jinn, HinduโBuddhist cosmology, riverine life, and urban folklore. Below is a richly curated, research-minded guide to help your readers understand how these beliefs still ripple through daily lifeโfrom evil eye protections to auspicious fishing rites.
Everyday Luck & Household Habits
Donโt Sweep After Sunset
Evening sweeping is thought to โsweep outโ baraka (blessing) and money.
Purse on the Floor
Setting your wallet or purse on the ground lets wealth โleak away.โ
Right Foot First
Entering a home or shop with the right foot draws in good fortune.
Lending Salt at Night
Sharing salt after dusk is believed to pass your luck to others.
Keys on a Table
Leaving keys on the dining table invites quarrels in the house.
Milk Boiling Over
A good omen for prosperityโbut never clean the spill angrily.
Protection, the Jinn & the Evil Eye
Ward Off the nazar
A black dot on a childโs forehead or heel protects against jealous looks.
Neem & Mustard Fumes
Burning neem leaves or mustard seeds is believed to repel harmful entities.
Banyan & Tamarind at Dusk
Old trees at twilight are avoidedโthought to be jinn roosts.
Kajal Behind the Ear
Mothers mark babies with a subtle kohl dot as a nazar shield.
Charms from Fakirs
Strings blessed by a pir/fakir are tied to wrists for protection.
Ghosts & Night Beings (Bengali Lore)
Dakshin Raiโs Domain
In tiger country, a quick salute to the forestโs ruler secures mercy.
Abandoned Houses
Avoided after duskโbelieved to be bhoot dens; enter with a prayer.
Pregnancy, Infancy & Motherhood
Garlic Charm
A clove pinned to cloth is an old anti-nazar remedy.
Coin Under the Pillow
Given to infants to invite a life of plenty.
First Hair & First Nail
Stored in a safe place to deter witchcraft.
Sleep Direction
Newborns are laid head east for calm nights.
Courtship, Weddings & Domestic Peace
Sweet Milk First Night
Couples share sweetened milk for a harmonious start.
Rice Shower
A handful tossed at thresholds ensures abundance for the new home.
Knock on Wood
Praise the spouse? Knock to keep envy away.
Fishing, Boats & River Life
First Net of the Season
A tiny offering of rice to the water โopens the luckโ of the nets.
Donโt Count Fish Afloat
Counting aloud attracts nazar; count later ashore.
Modern & Urban Beliefs
Ribbon on the Mirror
A blessed ribbon in vehicles is for safe journeys.
Flickering Bulb
Telling a ghost story and the light flickers? โThey heard.โ
New Office Cleanse
A bowl of coarse salt under the desk is said to absorb stress.
These beliefs live alongside formal religion and local arts (e.g., Baul traditions), and are documented in Bangladeshi folkloristics and cultural encyclopedias.