Nazar Customs in Indian Homes: What They Mean and How to Keep Them Safe

Walk through almost any Indian neighbourhood and you will see them: a lemon and green chillies hanging at a shop door, a black smudge on a baby's cheek, a pair of old shoes tied to a new building. These are nazar customs, and they are older than most of the families who practise them.

The kala teeka

A small black dot made with kajal on a baby's cheek or forehead is perhaps the best-known custom. The idea is that a flaw drawn on a beautiful face turns an admiring glance away. Many families see it as a loving habit more than a belief.

Lemon and chillies at the door

Seven green chillies and a lemon strung together are hung at homes and shops and replaced weekly. They are a symbol of protection, and there is also a practical, pleasant side: the sharp smell and bright colour make an entrance feel looked-after.

Salt, mustard and red chillies

In some homes a handful of salt, mustard seeds or dried chillies is waved around a person and then discarded. The gesture is a way of "giving away" worry, often accompanied by a short prayer.

What the customs say about us

Nazar customs express modesty about good fortune and affection for people we love. They also recognise a social truth: envy exists. For many families they are gestures of care rather than serious claims about supernatural harm.

Keeping the customs safe

• Do not burn chillies or other items near a child's face. The smoke irritates eyes and lungs.
• Never apply anything to a baby's skin or eyes that has not been tested for safety. Use clean, mild kajal in a tiny amount, or choose a symbolic eye bead.
• If a child is unwell, see a doctor first. Do not wait for nazar to be "removed".
• Avoid any practice that causes pain, fear or shame.

To learn more, read our article on evil eye and nazar beliefs.

Sources and further reading

• Evil eye (Wikipedia)
• Nazar (amulet) (Wikipedia)