Not Every Gift is a Blessing! 10 Forbidden Gifts in Hinduism (Think Before You Gift)
Riya Kumari | Feb 10, 2025, 23:58 IST
You don’t have to be deeply religious to understand why these customs exist. Every culture, every tradition, has its own beliefs about energy, symbolism, and the power of objects. The real lesson here isn’t just about what not to gift—it’s about awareness. When you give, you aren’t just offering an object; you are transferring meaning, emotion, and sometimes, an unspoken message. A careless gift is just that—careless. But a thoughtful one? That’s a blessing in itself.
Gifts are powerful. They carry meaning beyond their material value. A well-chosen gift nurtures a relationship, conveys love, and strengthens bonds. A careless one? It can do the exact opposite. In Hindu traditions, gifting is not just about generosity; it’s about energy, symbolism, and the unseen consequences of what we pass from our hands into someone else’s life. Some gifts are said to bring misfortune, others signal the end of relationships, and a few even invite financial struggle or grief. Whether you believe in these customs or not, they hold a deeper wisdom: what you give has consequences, and not all gifts are received as blessings. So before you pick out that next “thoughtful” present, pause. Think. Because sometimes, the most well-intended gifts can carry unintended burdens.
1. Handkerchiefs
A handkerchief seems like a harmless gift. Practical, even. But in Hindu culture, it symbolizes tears and sorrow. It’s believed that gifting one means you are passing on grief to the recipient. Even if you dismiss this as superstition, ask yourself—would you knowingly give someone something that represents sadness? There’s wisdom in avoiding gifts that, by their very nature, imply pain.
2. Sharp Objects
Knives, scissors, or anything with a blade—giving these as gifts is believed to "cut" the relationship between the giver and the receiver. But beyond the superstition, there’s something poetic here: a sharp object is a tool of separation. It slices, divides, and creates distance. Even on a subconscious level, it carries an energy of severance. If you must gift one, let the recipient "buy" it from you with a coin—it turns the exchange into a transaction rather than a parting.
3. Black Clothes
Black is elegant, timeless, powerful. But in Hindu customs, it is also the color of mourning, negativity, and bad luck. When gifting, you aren’t just considering your taste; you are considering what the recipient will associate with it. Would you want your gift to be linked, even remotely, to grief or misfortune? If not, choose a different color. A gift should lighten someone’s spirit, not weigh it down.
4. White Flowers
Flowers are beautiful, but the meaning behind them matters. White flowers, often used in Hindu funerals, represent passing, loss, and finality. Giving them to someone who isn’t in mourning can carry an unintended message—one of endings rather than beginnings. The world of symbolism is subtle but potent, and a misplaced gesture can leave an imprint you never intended.
5. Empty Wallets
A wallet or purse is a great gift—except when it’s empty. In Hindu belief, gifting an empty wallet invites financial struggles into the recipient’s life. But there’s a deeper logic here: a wallet represents wealth and prosperity. Gifting it without anything inside—no coin, no bill—symbolizes emptiness, lack, and scarcity. The lesson? When you give, give abundance, not absence.
6. Shoes
Shoes are practical, useful, even luxurious. But in Hindu culture, gifting them is associated with someone "walking away" from your life. The symbolism is clear—shoes enable movement, departure, distance. Even if you don’t believe in omens, think of what it subtly implies: “Here’s something that will help you leave.” If the gift truly matters, have the recipient give you a small amount of money in return, turning it into a purchase rather than a farewell.
7. Idols of Gods
A beautifully crafted idol of a Hindu deity might seem like a deeply meaningful gift, but in reality, it carries a serious responsibility. A religious idol is not just decor; it is an object of devotion. Giving one without the recipient’s request or readiness can place an unintended burden on them. Neglected idols are believed to bring negative energy. The wisdom here? Spiritual gifts should be chosen by the receiver, not imposed by the giver.
8. Clocks & Watches
A clock measures time. A watch tracks its passage. In Hindu belief, gifting these signifies that time is slipping away—whether in relationships, life, or fortune. It’s an unintentional countdown. And even outside superstition, consider this: when you give someone a symbol of time, what are you really saying? That their time is limited? That you’re measuring how long they have left? A gift should bring joy, not remind someone of endings.
9. Sindoor or Mangalsutra
These are sacred symbols of marriage in Hindu culture. Gifting sindoor (vermillion) or a mangalsutra (sacred necklace) to a married woman is considered highly inauspicious, as it implies widowhood. Think of it this way—marital symbols represent commitment, longevity, and the sanctity of a bond. Giving them as gifts places an unnecessary weight on the recipient, one that should be chosen, not received.
10. Towels
A towel is just a towel—until you realize its symbolism. In Hindu tradition, gifting a towel signifies wiping away a relationship, erasing ties, and inviting distance. It’s the equivalent of saying, “Let’s wash away whatever we have.” You may not believe in the superstition, but why give something that carries even the faintest connotation of detachment? A gift should build connections, not wipe them away.
1. Handkerchiefs
Handkerchief
( Image credit : Pexels )
A handkerchief seems like a harmless gift. Practical, even. But in Hindu culture, it symbolizes tears and sorrow. It’s believed that gifting one means you are passing on grief to the recipient. Even if you dismiss this as superstition, ask yourself—would you knowingly give someone something that represents sadness? There’s wisdom in avoiding gifts that, by their very nature, imply pain.
2. Sharp Objects
Knife set
( Image credit : Pexels )
Knives, scissors, or anything with a blade—giving these as gifts is believed to "cut" the relationship between the giver and the receiver. But beyond the superstition, there’s something poetic here: a sharp object is a tool of separation. It slices, divides, and creates distance. Even on a subconscious level, it carries an energy of severance. If you must gift one, let the recipient "buy" it from you with a coin—it turns the exchange into a transaction rather than a parting.
3. Black Clothes
Black tshirt
( Image credit : Pexels )
Black is elegant, timeless, powerful. But in Hindu customs, it is also the color of mourning, negativity, and bad luck. When gifting, you aren’t just considering your taste; you are considering what the recipient will associate with it. Would you want your gift to be linked, even remotely, to grief or misfortune? If not, choose a different color. A gift should lighten someone’s spirit, not weigh it down.
4. White Flowers
White roses
( Image credit : Pexels )
Flowers are beautiful, but the meaning behind them matters. White flowers, often used in Hindu funerals, represent passing, loss, and finality. Giving them to someone who isn’t in mourning can carry an unintended message—one of endings rather than beginnings. The world of symbolism is subtle but potent, and a misplaced gesture can leave an imprint you never intended.
5. Empty Wallets
Empty wallet
( Image credit : Pexels )
A wallet or purse is a great gift—except when it’s empty. In Hindu belief, gifting an empty wallet invites financial struggles into the recipient’s life. But there’s a deeper logic here: a wallet represents wealth and prosperity. Gifting it without anything inside—no coin, no bill—symbolizes emptiness, lack, and scarcity. The lesson? When you give, give abundance, not absence.
6. Shoes
Shoe
( Image credit : Pexels )
Shoes are practical, useful, even luxurious. But in Hindu culture, gifting them is associated with someone "walking away" from your life. The symbolism is clear—shoes enable movement, departure, distance. Even if you don’t believe in omens, think of what it subtly implies: “Here’s something that will help you leave.” If the gift truly matters, have the recipient give you a small amount of money in return, turning it into a purchase rather than a farewell.
7. Idols of Gods
Ganesh idol
( Image credit : Pexels )
A beautifully crafted idol of a Hindu deity might seem like a deeply meaningful gift, but in reality, it carries a serious responsibility. A religious idol is not just decor; it is an object of devotion. Giving one without the recipient’s request or readiness can place an unintended burden on them. Neglected idols are believed to bring negative energy. The wisdom here? Spiritual gifts should be chosen by the receiver, not imposed by the giver.
8. Clocks & Watches
Clock
( Image credit : Pexels )
A clock measures time. A watch tracks its passage. In Hindu belief, gifting these signifies that time is slipping away—whether in relationships, life, or fortune. It’s an unintentional countdown. And even outside superstition, consider this: when you give someone a symbol of time, what are you really saying? That their time is limited? That you’re measuring how long they have left? A gift should bring joy, not remind someone of endings.
9. Sindoor or Mangalsutra
Sindoor
( Image credit : Pexels )
These are sacred symbols of marriage in Hindu culture. Gifting sindoor (vermillion) or a mangalsutra (sacred necklace) to a married woman is considered highly inauspicious, as it implies widowhood. Think of it this way—marital symbols represent commitment, longevity, and the sanctity of a bond. Giving them as gifts places an unnecessary weight on the recipient, one that should be chosen, not received.
10. Towels
Towel
( Image credit : Pexels )
A towel is just a towel—until you realize its symbolism. In Hindu tradition, gifting a towel signifies wiping away a relationship, erasing ties, and inviting distance. It’s the equivalent of saying, “Let’s wash away whatever we have.” You may not believe in the superstition, but why give something that carries even the faintest connotation of detachment? A gift should build connections, not wipe them away.