- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:04 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Superstitions Myths: In many Indian households, sweeping and cleaning after sunset is believed to be inauspicious, potentially displeasing Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. This superstition raises an intriguing question: is there any validity to this claim, or is it simply a myth? Let's delve into the reasoning behind this belief in The Daily Jagran’s series Superstitions And Myths, and explore its significance through the lens of Indian culture and astrology.
Why Cleaning And Sweeping After Sunset Is Considered Inauspicious? Know What Hindu Culture Says
In Hindu culture, cleaning and sweeping after sunset is considered inauspicious because it's believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, visits homes during this time. Sweeping is thought to symbolically sweep away her blessings and prosperity. According to Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural philosophy, the evening hours are crucial for maintaining harmony and positive energy in the home. Cleaning after sunset is believed to disrupt this balance, potentially leading to financial difficulties, health issues, and marital discord. Additionally, it's thought that negative energies prevail after dark, and sweeping may stir up these energies, bringing misfortune and negativity into the home. To maintain peace and prosperity, households often complete their cleaning tasks before sunset, showing respect for the divine and preserving the positive energy within.
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Why Cleaning And Sweeping After Sunset Is Considered Inauspicious. (Image Source: The Daily Jagran)
Ancient Beliefs Surrounding This Superstition
The ancient belief that sweeping after sunset invites financial woe stems from a practical concern - in the dark, it is easy to lose precious items without even realising it. Our ancestors believed that sweeping in the evening could inadvertently sweep away valuable possessions, and with them, prosperity itself.
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This superstition likely originated from the fact that, without electric lighting, homes were much darker after sunset, making it difficult to spot small valuable items like coins or jewellery. As a result, people associated evening sweeping with loss and financial instability. To avoid this, women looking after the household would typically finish their cleaning before the sun dipped below the horizon, ensuring their prosperity remained intact. This tradition has been passed down through generations.
People must avoid cleaning and mopping after sunset to preserve positive energy, prosperity, and harmony in their home, as per Hindu beliefs and Vastu Shastra. (Image Source: AI Gemini)
Is Sweeping Post-Sunset Still Discouraged In Vastu Shastra?
Yes, according to the Vastu Shastra, sweeping after sunset is still considered inauspicious. This practice is believed to sweep away prosperity and wealth. According to Hindu beliefs, nighttime is associated with negative energies influenced by shadow planets Rahu and Ketu, which can be stirred up by sweeping. It is recommended to complete cleaning tasks during daylight hours to maintain positive energy flow in the home.
The tradition of avoiding sweeping and cleaning after sunset in Hindu culture is rooted in practical wisdom rather than mere superstition. This ancient practice has been passed down through generations, offering valuable insights into maintaining harmony and balance in one's life.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)