Why do Indians eat curd and sugar before anything important

A spoon of curd and sugar before something big, an exam, a wedding, a job interview, it’s more than just a habit; it’s a moment of belief. That tiny mix has followed Indians through generations, passed from kitchen bowls to trembling hands before life’s big moments. But why this combo? What makes curd and sugar the chosen pair for luck, calm, and confidence? Turns out, there’s more science and sentiment behind it than meets the spoon. Scroll down to read more.

A tradition that tastes like comfort
In India, curd and sugar isn’t just food, it’s ritual. Across regions, languages, and religions, this simple pairing is considered a sign of good luck. The act itself feels nurturing - cool, sweet, and reassuring, the kind of taste that instantly settles the nerves. Psychologists would probably call it a “conditioning cue,” something that tells the body, you’re ready, things will go well. But for most people, it’s faith, the comforting belief that sweetness leads to sweetness.

Where it all began

The custom traces back to ancient Ayurvedic thought, where both curd (dahi) and sugar (sharkara) were considered sattvik; pure, life-supporting foods that bring calm and clarity. Curd, rich in probiotics, was said to aid digestion and cool the body, while sugar gave quick energy to stay alert. Together, they symbolized balance, calm mind, energised body.

A science-backed superstition
Modern nutrition adds its own logic to the ritual. Curd is packed with gut-friendly bacteria that improve digestion and immunity, both crucial when you’re anxious or under pressure. Sugar, meanwhile, gives an instant glucose boost, which helps sharpen alertness. Combine the two, and you’ve got a natural pre-event fuel: cooling, hydrating, and energising at once.

There’s also something psychological at play. Before a big moment, the body tenses up, heart rate spikes, palms sweat. Eating something familiar and soothing signals safety to the brain. It’s why even today, before interviews or results, parents still say, “Just take a spoon of dahi-shakkar, everything will be fine.”

The symbolism of sweetness
In Indian culture, beginnings are never left to chance, they’re sweetened. From muhurat weddings to shop openings, sugar or sweets mark the start of something auspicious. Curd adds its own earthy symbolism, it represents purity and grounding. Together, they embody a prayer without words: may your effort turn fruitful, your path remain smooth.

How it’s eaten across India



In north India, it’s usually a plain spoonful, thick curd, a sprinkle of sugar, stirred just once. In Tamil Nadu, some prefer thayir sadam (curd rice) before travel for similar reasons, calm stomach, safe journey. In Bengal, it’s doi-shinni, a mix of curd, sugar, and sometimes a hint of banana or jaggery, offered before exams. Every region tweaks the ritual, but the emotion stays the same, comfort before chaos.

More than luck, it’s love

Ultimately, that spoon of dahi-shakkar isn’t about superstition. It’s about care. It’s the quiet way Indian families say, I believe in you. It’s the gesture that makes a nervous morning softer, a big step feel blessed. Maybe that’s why even in modern glass buildings and crowded cities, you’ll still find someone in a crisp shirt pausing for a quick bite of curd and sugar, not out of habit, but hope.