There are many superstitions India shares with the West, whether or not the people are educated.
A black cat crossing our path means the same in the West as in India. Witches and witchcraft - it's all quite similar. Broken mirrors too!
Americans have for a very long time held Friday the thirteenth as a day to fear and dread. Indians take it a bit further in that there are certain days of the week (three of them!) that certain activities are abstained from. Then there's the daily ever-changing Rahukaal that must be accounted for. Any nightly activity like sweeping the floor, picking flowers or leaves is bad luck for sure! If you want to avoid bad luck, then you have your work cut out for you just calculating all the times and days and situations that you need to avoid!
It's not all bad, though. If you see a peacock before going on a trip, this will bring good luck. Likewise, three lizards coming towards you are a sign of marriage. Or just put one of those Laughing Buddha statues facing the door for more good luck.