Hindu Beliefs About Nail Cutting and the Best Days to Trim Nails
Ananya Mishra | Tue, 14 Oct 2025
In Hindu culture, nail cutting is more than a grooming habit, it carries spiritual and traditional meaning. Ancient beliefs link certain days and times with good or bad fortune. Cutting nails on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday is considered auspicious, while doing so on Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday is avoided to show respect to the gods. These customs reflect discipline, hygiene, and reverence for tradition. Even today, many families continue to follow these age-old practices as a way to preserve cultural values and bring positive energy into their homes.
Nail Cutting
( Image credit : Freepik )
A nail clipping may seem as an insignificant issue, however, there are rules and beliefs on nail clipping in Hinduism. Old time people have observed some days to cut nails and some days not to cut nails. These are not traditional rules, but also health, respect to gods, and maintenance of good fortune in the house.
According to Hindu culture, nails are supposed to contain energy in the body. Disposing nails on particular days is reported to disfigure this energy and causes bad omens. This is the reason why seniors instruct us to be cautious and adhere to the correct nail cutting schedule.
These old rules are still adhered to by a lot of people in the villages and cities. Although life in the modern world is hectic, the beliefs have some meaning to most families and generations after generations.
In Hinduism there is a correlation between days of the week and the planet and deity associated with that day. The day we perform some activities may either yield good results or bad results. This idea is also associated with nail cutting.
Some believe that nail-cutting on these days (Thursday or Saturday) can displease the gods that are in charge of those days such as Guru (Jupiter) and Shani (Saturn). Individuals claim that it may trouble the studies, work, and even health.
Nail cutting is also not supposed to take place on Sundays. Sunday is believed to be the day of the Sun God and disposing body parts such as nails during this day is an indication of disrespect.
The tradition of Hinduism is that it is safe and good to cut nails on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These are the days associated with serenity, development and prosperity. Many people trim their nails on Wednesday evening when they are done with their routine tasks.
There are also some people, who find it practical not to cut their nails on weekends. Farming families have Sunday and Saturday as work days and therefore the grooming activities are carried out during light days such as Monday or Friday.
When individuals observe the appropriate days, they assume they are able to stay off bad omen and have good spirit into their lives.
It is not just the day, but the time, as well. Hindu elders say that it is not advisable to cut nails when the sun sets but at daylight. Trimming nails at night is associated with corruption and unlucky aspects. During the ancient times, night nail cutting was not practiced by people since there was no electricity and it was dangerous.
It is better to cut nails in the morning or afternoon. It also helps to keep nails clean and trim to avoid dirt and infections.
These are more than superstition beliefs regarding nail cutting among people. They belong to the cultural discipline, the respect to the advice of the elders, and the identification with tradition.
Even if science does not directly talk about nail cutting days, these customs have survived because they teach us care, hygiene, and respect for time. Following them also shows love for heritage and family values.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
According to Hindu culture, nails are supposed to contain energy in the body. Disposing nails on particular days is reported to disfigure this energy and causes bad omens. This is the reason why seniors instruct us to be cautious and adhere to the correct nail cutting schedule.
These old rules are still adhered to by a lot of people in the villages and cities. Although life in the modern world is hectic, the beliefs have some meaning to most families and generations after generations.
Hindu beliefs about nail cutting.
Nail cutting days
( Image credit : Freepik )
In Hinduism there is a correlation between days of the week and the planet and deity associated with that day. The day we perform some activities may either yield good results or bad results. This idea is also associated with nail cutting.
Some believe that nail-cutting on these days (Thursday or Saturday) can displease the gods that are in charge of those days such as Guru (Jupiter) and Shani (Saturn). Individuals claim that it may trouble the studies, work, and even health.
Nail cutting is also not supposed to take place on Sundays. Sunday is believed to be the day of the Sun God and disposing body parts such as nails during this day is an indication of disrespect.
The Best Day for Cutting Nails
Nails Filing
( Image credit : Freepik )
The tradition of Hinduism is that it is safe and good to cut nails on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These are the days associated with serenity, development and prosperity. Many people trim their nails on Wednesday evening when they are done with their routine tasks.
There are also some people, who find it practical not to cut their nails on weekends. Farming families have Sunday and Saturday as work days and therefore the grooming activities are carried out during light days such as Monday or Friday.
When individuals observe the appropriate days, they assume they are able to stay off bad omen and have good spirit into their lives.
When To Have Nails Clipped.
Nails
( Image credit : Freepik )
It is not just the day, but the time, as well. Hindu elders say that it is not advisable to cut nails when the sun sets but at daylight. Trimming nails at night is associated with corruption and unlucky aspects. During the ancient times, night nail cutting was not practiced by people since there was no electricity and it was dangerous.
It is better to cut nails in the morning or afternoon. It also helps to keep nails clean and trim to avoid dirt and infections.
What Matters Today with these Rules.
Even if science does not directly talk about nail cutting days, these customs have survived because they teach us care, hygiene, and respect for time. Following them also shows love for heritage and family values.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which days are considered good for cutting nails?
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are considered good days as they represent peace, growth, and prosperity. - Why should we avoid cutting nails on Thursday or Saturday?
These days are associated with Guru (Jupiter) and Shani (Saturn). Cutting nails on these days is believed to displease the gods and bring bad luck. - What time is best for trimming nails?
Morning or afternoon are considered the best times to keep nails clean and avoid infections. - Is it okay to cut nails at night?
Traditionally, nail cutting at night is avoided because it was unsafe in ancient times and is believed to bring bad luck.
