"Stepping on cow dung brings a good luck"

Last night it finally did happen.
I was on my way to a beach shack for a dinner, walking in the dark, when suddenly I realized the sand under my sandals felt odd..

I looked behind me, and saw a big pile of cow dung on which I had just stepped..
Locals were there to advice me what to do. That is to rub the sandal in the sand and knock it on something hard. And so shall the dung fly.

The good thing in this accident was that – when you step on a cow dung accidentally, it will bring you good luck.. according to an old Indian belief. This is what they told me.

What else happening here – Well, I live in a wonderful place, in a homey guesthouse, so close to the sea that one can listen to the waves when in the balcony, and see them as well, if one really wants to.

Food is heavenly good most often. In Helsinki / Finland you go to an Indian restaurant and pay 20 euros for mere thali. But here you can get a thali with less than a euro, and a special thali with one and a half euros. So you wont be starving. At least not, if you’re a Westerner.

Whereas mosquitos, they are hungry here. Every evening at least one of them bites me.

The other night was a full moon night. And the other day I visited a Finnish friend of mine, who spends her winters in Goa. She had a lovely appartment. It was wonderful to be in Anjuna again.

Update in 2023: Facts about cow dung

The belief that stepping on cow dung brings good luck is rooted in Hinduism and the broader cultural context of India, where the cow is often regarded as a sacred animal. According to Hindu mythology, the cow is a symbol of non-violence, and it embodies virtues like gentleness and generosity. Many Hindus, not all, believe that cows are the abode of 33 crore (330 million) gods and goddesses. In this context, cow dung is also considered pure and auspicious.

In traditional Indian homes, particularly in rural areas, a layer of cow dung is often spread on the floors and walls. This practice is not only believed to bring prosperity and good health but also has practical applications: the antiseptic properties of cow dung are thought to purify the living space. In agricultural communities, cow dung is widely used as a natural fertilizer and is considered vital for crop growth, adding another layer of importance to this substance.

Additionally, the act of stepping on cow dung is thought to have a grounding effect, connecting the individual to the Earth and, by extension, to life’s natural cycles. This could be interpreted as inviting good luck by promoting a state of spiritual and material balance.

It should be noted that while this belief is prevalent among certain sections of Indian society, it’s not universally accepted. Modern, urbanized populations in India may not adhere to this belief, and there are diverse views and practices within the country’s various regions and communities.

So, the notion that stepping on cow dung brings good luck is a complex interweaving of religious belief, cultural tradition and practical utility.

INDIVUE – travel & art