Английская Википедия:Bohni

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Шаблон:Short description Bohni (Hindustani: बोहनी or بوہنی) is a social and commercial custom of India and Pakistan that is based on the belief that the first sale of a day (or other selling period) establishes the seller's luck for subsequent choti transactions during the remainder of the day.[1][2] In practical terms this means that sellers try to ensure that the first (or bohni) sale happens on a cash-only basis, and ideally without any discounts (i.e. at full-price), though the social protocol associated with bohni sales varies by region.[2] Unless the price is egregious, it is considered good manners for customers to be generous if they are engaged in a bohni transaction with the seller. If the buyer is trusted, the seller will sometimes allow the buyer to state a price that is binding on both, with the expectation that the buyer will demonstrate generosity.[3]

Variations in the custom

Although sellers have a daily bohni, the concept also applies to sales at the beginning of a calendar year or at the launch of an enterprise. Often, for a newly launched business, family or friends of the seller will make a bohni purchase in an attempt to secure luck for the new business. Depending on individual beliefs, some sellers may pass on smaller transactions until they secure a large-enough bohni sale, while others may lower prices in an attempt to complete a bohni sale as soon as possible.[4][5] In some areas, it is considered rude to ask the seller to make change during a bohni sale, as any outflow of cash during the bohni can spoil the seller's luck for the remainder of the day.[6]

In some regions, it is considered inauspicious to allow the first prospective customer to walk away without a sale being completed. To prevent this, the first potential buyer that engages with a seller may receive special treatment, such as being offered a seat at the shop and a cup of tea, or a freebie being included with the sale.[7]

Treatment of bohni proceeds

Some regions and communities in North India and Pakistan have developed specific practices in how the money made in a bohni transaction is treated. Sometimes the bohni money is spit upon, which is a custom believed to ward-off nazar (evil eye).[8] Alternatively, the seller may apply the bohni cash to each eye in turn, which denotes reverence and thankfulness.[9]

References

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