Garuda Purana and the belief against sweeping the house after sunset
The custom of not sweeping homes after sunset is rooted more in folk belief and practicality than in any explicit text in the Garuda Purana
Cleaning the house is considered important not just for health but also holds special significance in Hindu traditions. Sweeping and cleaning the house in the morning is considered auspicious, while sweeping after sunset is advised against. Behind this are certain religious beliefs linked to the goddess of wealth Lakshmi, the positive energy of the home, and ancestors.
The Garuda Purana mentions several rules regarding rites after death, charity and conduct. But it cannot be said with certainty that the widely followed practice of "not sweeping after sunset" is written verbatim in the Garuda Purana.
So why is sweeping avoided after sunset? One reason is linked to older times. In earlier days, homes did not have adequate artificial lighting as they do now. So while sweeping after sunset, there was a risk of valuable items, grain or small household objects being swept out along with the garbage. Along with this practical reason, the practice gradually acquired religious significance as well. It is believed that evening is the time of Lakshmi's arrival, and so taking garbage out of the house during this time is believed to also take the household's prosperity out with it.
In Hindu tradition, a clean and well-kept house is considered dear to Lakshmi, which is why there is a practice of cleaning the house and taking out the garbage in the morning. But according to religious belief, sweeping in the evening can take away the household's wealth, grain and prosperity. This is only part of a tradition.
The Garuda Purana lays out several religious and philosophical ideas related to life, death, karma, charity, righteous conduct and the journey after death. But it would not be correct to say that the rule of "not sweeping the house after sunset" is written directly and clearly in the Garuda Purana. This practice has been carried forward by various folk traditions, household customs and religious beliefs.
In today's fast-paced life, it often becomes necessary to clean the house in the evening or even at night. In such situations, it is right to prioritise health and cleanliness. Families who wish to follow the religious belief adopt the practice of not throwing out the garbage at that time but collecting it in one place and disposing of it the next morning. However, this is not a binding religious rule for everyone; it can vary according to each family's own tradition.
Even if there is a belief against sweeping after sunset, it is not right to let garbage accumulate in the house. If there is wet waste, leftover food or foul-smelling garbage, it is necessary to dispose of it on time for health reasons. Therefore, while following the religious tradition, it is important to maintain the right balance between cleanliness, health and today's lifestyle.
Overall, the practice of not sweeping after sunset is mainly linked to religious and folk tradition. Behind it is the belief that doing so takes Lakshmi away from the house, or reduces wealth and prosperity.
