Nimbu-Mirchi & Nazar: The Quirky Superstitions of Indian Riders

Riding Verse
Jan 26
2 min read

The "Extra" Layer of Protection: Superstitions of the Indian Rider

We Indian riders are a peculiar bunch. We will spend lakhs on the latest riding gear, buy the most advanced ceramic brake pads, and install high-end crash guards. But before we head out on a long trip, most of us will still perform a ritual that has nothing to do with engineering and everything to do with "just in case."

Call it faith, call it culture, or call it superstition—in the Indian motorcycling community, the 'Nazar' (evil eye) is as real as a puncture on a Sunday morning.

1. The Nimbu-Mirchi Shield

You’ve seen it on trucks, but it’s just as common on ₹5 lakh adventure bikes. A string of seven green chilies and one lemon tied to the front fork or the crash guard.

The Logic: It’s meant to ward off Alakshmi (the goddess of misfortune).
The Reality: It usually ends up drying out and flapping against your radiator, but hey, if it keeps the bad vibes away, who are we to argue?

2. The Sacred Black Thread

Look closely at the rear footrest or the handle of almost any bike in India, and you’ll spot a faded black thread. Usually tied by a worried mother or a grandmother before your first big trip, this thread is the ultimate "silent" GPS—keeping you on the right path and away from harm. Even the most hardened "tough guy" riders won't dare cut it off.

3. The "Don't Say the Time" Rule

This is a big one in touring circles.

The Rule: You never say, "We will reach by exactly 4:00 PM."
Why? Because the Moment you say it, the 'Road Gods' hear you. Suddenly, you’ll get a flat tire, a random traffic jam, or a herd of cows will decide to take a nap in the middle of the highway. We prefer saying, "We’ll reach when we reach."

4. The First-Ride Coconut

When a rider gets a new bike, the first 100 meters aren't about testing the quickshifter. They are about carefully rolling the front tire over a coconut. If the coconut cracks perfectly, the bike is "blessed." If it slips away? Well, that’s a week of riding very, very cautiously.

Why We Do It

Do we really think a lemon will stop a distracted driver? Probably not. But these rituals are about mindset. They are a way of acknowledging that the road is unpredictable and that we respect the journey. It’s a bit of "Jugaad" for the soul.

Whether you believe in 'Nazar' or not, these quirks are what make the Indian riding community so colorful and unique.

Does your bike have a 'protective' black thread or a hidden charm? Share a photo of your bike’s "lucky charm" on RidingVerse and tell us the story behind it!