Deep Faith or Blind Faith

I have always been intrigued by the superstitious habits and customs that we Indians time and again follow in the name of tradition. This basically includes two forms: The first form consists of offering flowers, sweets and sometimes even money and gold to deities in return for a job, exam result, business contract, etc. The second form is to inflict hardship on oneself (give up on eatables, fasting for days, walking barefoot, etc). , again for fulfillment of some wish, desire, etc.

Now, I quite frankly don't understand the logic of all this. The first form, I think is a purest form of bribery. Now, I know after all the struggle and RTI acts, we are yet to put an end to bribery and corruption in India. But dont the roots for corruption lie deep within us when even an intangible and unknown entity is dragged into this. If this is how we practice our religion, a subject matter of intimate personal nature, I dont blame the babus for taking a bribe or two. Afterall, they are not Gods !!

The second form of superstition leads one to believe that God is some kind of an evil and will grant you blessings only on your sufferings. Another logic for this faith could be pure blackmailing. Its akin to a kid refusing to have food because refused to buy him a bicycle. The kid knows that the parents care for him and hence will eventually have to give in to his wishes if he continues to starve.

I have had many arguments with my family, fiance and other 'religious' friends but the standard response from all of them is "It is their way of expressing 'deep faith' in GOD". Now, I turn to them and ask that if faith on the almighty is imperturbable, then shouldnt one just relax and put extra efforts on the task to be achieved and leave the rest to God. Afterall, your sincere hard work and the 'deep faith' should ensure that the desired results will follow? Or is it the case that these people adopt these so called 'religious' practices solely because they lack the 'deep faith' in God and would want to reinforce it by varied means?