The evil eye is referred in Indian culture by a variety of names which differ from region to region. These names include Buri Nazar (Northern India), Kudrishti, and Karikannu.
People in India think that the evil eye curse is responsible for the majority of terrible things which start happening suddenly after a person has completed or had a great achievement. The curse is more likely to affect young children, pregnant women, attractive girls, kids and successful persons. It may result in:
– Arguments amongst family members
– Sudden illness
– Loss of money
– Accidents
– Mood changes, nervous breakdown, etc.
It is hard to know exactly when the concept of the evil eye originally appeared in Hinduism. But it seems that the superstition of the evil eye curse was believed since ancient times. As a widely established belief, individuals started using a variety of techniques to reduce the negative effects of the evil eye and protect themselves and their loved ones.
How do Indians prevent the Evil Eye?
Indians use many different methods to combat the effects of the Evil Eye’s curse which vary depending on the region or their cultural beliefs. One of the most common practices to be protected from the evil eye in India is to wear a charm bracelet, get a tattoo or use a slogan (i. e. “far be the evil eye”). Other methods that Indian people use to guard themselves from negative energy include the use of materials such as red chilies, rock salt, white pumpkins and lemons covered with turmeric. The person who is responsible to cure the curse rotate these objects around the affected person to erase the evil eye. After removing the curse, the affected individual will either burn the used item or throw it away in a location where it won’t be stepped on by others. Furthermore, to ward off the evil eye, people hang images of frightening creatures in their homes or on their cars.
Indian rituals to avoid the effects of the Evil Eye
To protect newborns, expectant mothers, future brides or any other affected person from the evil eye (Nazar), they use a ripe lemon, some dried chilies and salt.
In South Indian culture, married women, cross over cooked rice balls dusted with turmeric powder, above the heads of the bride and groom in both a clockwise and counterclockwise route to prevent any harmful glares.
Elders apply kajal to newborn babies’ foreheads or eyes to protect them from Buri Nazar. Additionally, some people think that saving a baby’s umbilical cord and casting it into a metal pendant or black string acts as a protection charm for the child.
To deter unwanted attention, some people even hang lemons with chilies or frightening devil figures outside their homes or places of business.
The belief in the evil eye and its affects can be seen in many places in India just by looking for the steps people take to protect themselves from the evil eye curse.