Evil Eye: Truth Or Misconception

We are growing and progressing in every way. With time, we have become more rational and scientific. We have less time to follow traditions or look for logic in everything. So, does the Evil Eye exist? Or ‘nazar lagna’ as we know in Hindi? Well, I truly don’t know. But I am not a believer in it. Was certainly not until I became a mother.

Last evening, my little munchkin fell and got hurt while playing. His eyes, all black and blue, had swollen. We rushed to the doctor and thankfully by God’s grace there was nothing to worry about. I and my husband heaved a sigh of relief. With few ice packs and a dose of painkiller, my son felt much better. Kids play, get hurt, forget about it and are ready to play again. It’s a routine, right?

But my mother had a different side of story. She was of the opinion that because I shared his happy pictures on social media, someone had cast an evil eye on. You’ll know what I am talking about if you are following me on Instagram. I gave her that ‘let’s be rational’ look and got back to work. But she was adamant. Once my son slept, she was on with her job of casting off the evil eye. With mustard seeds and red chillies held in her palm she moved it over the little munchkin in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. By that time my little one also had slept and she too slept peacefully believing that her technique worked.

But I was confused. Did it really work?? Does wearing amulets and following these rituals really work? Is there any science behind this?

Kohl was used in old times for it was believed that it will giving cooling effect and will protect kids from harsh rays of sun. Lemon and chillies are both rich in Vitamin C. So when a thread is pierced through them, it absorbs the vitamins and different nutrients present which gradually vaporize in the air. We inhale this air and use their properties for our health benefits.

There are so many other things that we follow other than applying kohl or tying a black thread for merely our satisfaction. I don’t want to follow this just because it has become a ritual. Like I said before, it should be justified. After little thought, I headed straight to Google baba for answers.

Even though the concept of evil eye is not scientifically proven, science believes in existence of positive and negative energy. That is the reason why being with some people makes us feel positive, and energetic. A healthy person will give positive vibes while an unhealthy person will give feeling of insecurity and will not be very welcoming. All of us have electromagnetic waves and two people with same wavelength get along better. This is the reason when kids cry and are cranky without reason we say ‘nazar lag gayi hai’, it is all because of the negativity that person is carrying. Once kids are back in their comfort zone or with the people they know, they stop crying. That is only because they feel loved and protected.

Some call it superstition, others have different way of believing in them like positive aura or negative aura. These things since ages are in contradiction. At the end, it is up to us to believe what we want to and how we want to raise our kids. I believe we should raise them with love and care, nurture them with positive attitude. Don’t follow anything blindly. If tying a thread or putting that black kohl gives you a feeling of safety and security, go for it. Because in the end, you are a mother and you will do what is best for your baby.

So, what’s your take on it? Looking forward to your side story.