Enakshi talks of the various myths (read superstitions and beliefs) that she had to grapple with. An exclusive for Different Truths.

Myths have been a part of my life since long. They are like those invisible rules that forbid me from doing certain actions (which if done, will have severe consequences). Some of the most common myths that I can recall from my childhood are not to wash hair on Thursday as it might lead to something bad for my brother, not calling one from behind as that would be an ill omen and not crossing the road if a black cat has crossed it first.

Truth be told, I have always been scared to break such norms. But recently, when I potted a Tulsi plant inspite of menstruating on that day, I realised that all of us are victims of someone else’s beliefs.

Truth be told, I have always been scared to break such norms. But recently, when I potted a Tulsi plant inspite of menstruating on that day, I realised that all of us are victims of someone else’s beliefs. In fact, we are so scared to experiment on our own that we blindly agree to with what the religious gurus have to say. A post has been doing rounds on social media that busts the myth associated with washing hair on Thursday. It explains that since the water was in shortage during those days, people didn’t take a head bath on Tuesdays and Thursdays. How it came to believing that something bad might happen to your brother — only God knows!

That’s not all. There are several people around me who start behaving differently when they are informed about anyone menstruating. They distance themselves and avoid taking anything from the hands of the woman who is on her period. Going back to that day when I potted the Tulsi plant, I wouldn’t mind admitting that I felt euphoric — not immediately but after a span of two weeks because I could see then that the plant had become stronger and had borne new leaves.

There are several people around me who start behaving differently when they are informed about anyone menstruating. They distance themselves and avoid taking anything from the hands of the woman who is on her period.

Another funny thing happened when I was rushing out of my house the other day and a cat (I think it was black) crossed my path. I couldn’t afford to wait as that

would have led to a blotch on my punctuality. So I continued walking. Nothing bad happened. Nothing at all! Often I use my left hand to give money to the shopkeeper as my right hand is busy. I also broom at night if something spills onto the floor and needs immediate cleaning. I wash my hair on Thursdays if there is a function to attend. I also eat pickle when I have my chums. I live a life that is not based on the beliefs of others.

In ‘Hindu Dharma and Culture Wars,’ the author covers the topic of blind faith and faith by experiencing something first hand. When I first read that book, I was left contemplating. But after my own experience, I couldn’t agree more with what Koenraad (author) has to say. Trivial things like not eating pickle when you are on your period, getting a darker Mehendi done to prove that your partner loves you, using your right hand for offering or receiving anything, putting your right foot forward first for good luck, shedding tears on your bidaai and getting married by 27-28 as after that ‘no one’ would marry you- should be taken lightly. This post is not to offend the beliefs and notions of the ones who follow but to encourage the people to accept the ones who are the doubting Thomas!

Myths are myths for the ones, who have tried violating them and have not faced any consequence. Myths are true for the ones who believe in taking a precaution than going about searching for the cure. In either case, people are doing what they think is right.

Different folks have different strokes. Times are changing and so are we. It is imperative to change certain notions according to our convenience and that’s alright. Myths are myths for the ones, who have tried violating them and have not faced any consequence. Myths are true for the ones who believe in taking a precaution than going about searching for the cure. In either case, people are doing what they think is right. So where does the judgement come in here? Judgement comes when people behave like armchair critics. Judgement comes when people envy your approach to attain happiness. Judgement comes when people are not able to let go as easily as you do.

Photo from the Internet