Horse Shoe At The Gates

You will see horseshoe attached to the outside of the door in many places in the Himalayas. The horseshoe is nailed on the front of the door with a belief that it will keep away bad omen and evil spirits from entering the house. In fact, this custom is seen in other parts of the world as well with a similar but localized belief. In general, it is believed that horseshoes fended off witches who were afraid of it. It was believed that because horseshoes could withstand fire it could also fight away the bad spirits (or witches in some case). Hence, the horseshoe at the gates.