Shakun and ApshakunShakun and apshakun: omens
What signs such as a crow calling, a cat crossing or an eye twitching are said to mean in popular Indian belief, and what is really happening.
What this site is
Shakun means an omen or sign, and apshakun a bad sign. In India there is a very large body of everyday beliefs about them: a crow calling on the roof, a cat crossing the road, an eye twitching, an itch in the palm, curd and sugar before an exam. This site collects the best-known ones, explains where they may come from, and adds a plain note on what is actually happening.
It is a site about culture and folklore, not about prediction. Omens do not predict anything, and nothing here is advice. We have left out beliefs that are cruel to any group of people. Use the search box for a word such as crow, cat or eye, or open a topic.
Topics
- Omens from animals and birds
- Omens from the body
- Omens at home and in daily life
- Omens for journeys and new beginnings
Most searched
- Crow cawing on the roof: meaning
- Cat crossing your path: meaning
- Eye twitching: meaning
- Itching palm: meaning
- Sneezing: meaning
- Lizard (chhipkali) falling on you: meaning
- Milk boiling over: meaning
- Curd and sugar: meaning
Guides
Questions people ask
What does a crow cawing mean?
In popular belief it means a guest or news is coming. It is a belief, not a prediction.
Is a cat crossing your path really bad luck?
In many parts of India people read it as a sign to pause. There is no evidence that it affects anything.
Which omens are considered good?
Seeing a cow, a full pot of water, a peacock, curd and sugar before a task and milk boiling over in a new home are commonly called good signs.
This page reports popular beliefs for interest. Omens do not predict anything, and nothing here is advice. Please do not cancel anything important, such as a medical appointment, an exam or a journey, because of an omen.