What is nazar?
Nazar, or drishti, is the traditional belief that envy, admiration or negative attention from others can disturb a person's energy, health or good fortune. Versions of this belief exist across India, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, which is why you see protective eyes, lemons and chillies, and black threads in so many cultures.
Signs people traditionally associate with nazar
- Sudden tiredness or heaviness after a function or crowded place
- A child becoming unusually cranky after being praised by many people
- Plans or business suddenly stalling after sharing good news
- Feeling restless, irritable or “not yourself” for no clear reason
These can also have everyday causes such as tiredness, illness or stress. If symptoms continue, especially in children, please consult a doctor.
Traditional home remedies
- Salt and red chilli: take a pinch of rock salt and a few dry red chillies, circle them seven times around the person from head to toe, and burn them in a safe place or throw them into running water.
- Alum (phitkari): circle a small piece of alum around the person and place it on a low flame, a remedy many families swear by.
- Salt-water bath: bathe with a little rock salt in the water.
- Lemon and green chillies (nimbu-mirchi): hung at the entrance of homes and shops to absorb negative attention.
- Black thread or kajal: a black thread on the wrist or ankle, or a small kajal dot behind a child's ear, is a common protective custom.
- Mantra and prayer: the Hanuman Chalisa, Gayatri Mantra or a protective mantra from your own tradition.
Protecting your energy
Not every heaviness is nazar, and remedies only go so far if your own energy is depleted. Keeping your aura strong through rest, prayer, grounding and mindful sharing of good news is the best long-term protection. If you keep feeling drained despite remedies, an Aura Blockage Scan can show where your energy needs support.