Bodo Taboos and Beliefs

The Bodos observe several taboos in their daily lives to avoid misfortune. Sleeping during dusk is considered inauspicious, and they avoid sleeping with their heads pointing north or west, as this is reserved for the deceased. Women should not comb their hair during thunder. Making sounds with lips at night is avoided, as it is believed to attract spirits. They also believe one should not call out to a person from behind when they are on their way somewhere. Keeping wet clothes out at night is also considered bad practice.

Certain days are considered inauspicious for specific activities. Bodos avoid shaving, hairdressing, and cutting nails on their birthdays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, believing these actions decrease one's lifespan. To avoid unwanted incidents, they use symbolic names for certain animals and objects after dark; for example, a snake is called 'gulao', an elephant 'Ganesh baba', and a tiger 'Bon raja'.

After dark, Bodos do not give chili, turmeric, money, eggs, or rice to others to take home, fearing that doing so would cause the goddess Laxmi to leave their household. To protect delicious foods like meat, special curry, or cake from evil spirits, they attach a piece of chili or burning charcoal to them when transporting them.