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The traditions that have been going on for centuries in Indian society and Sanatan culture are not just for show, but there is a deep psychological, spiritual and social science hidden behind them. One of the oldest and most accepted traditions among these is the use of kajal or black tikka to protect children, newly married people and successful people from the evil eye. In today’s modern era, where people try to dismiss it as mere superstition, the roots of our culture testify to the fact that this small black dot of kajal is not just a means to decorate the eyes, but it also acts as a strong shield that blocks any negative energy. From grandmother’s remedies to traditional customs, the cultural significance of Kajal remains as relevant in our lives today as it was centuries ago.
What is Nazar or evil eye? Know the deep social and psychological beliefs behind it.
In our folk culture, ‘evil eye’ or ‘evil eye’ is a word with which everyone is aware. According to this belief, when a person feels extreme jealousy, envy or even extreme admiration after seeing someone else’s success, beauty, good health or happiness, then that negative energy starts affecting the life or health of the other person. When a child is very healthy and beautiful, a youth gets a new job, or a new vehicle and house is purchased, the elders in the family immediately warn that it will be affected by evil eyes. This concept is not limited to India only, but in almost every ancient culture of the world, different remedies and tricks have been adopted to avoid the evil eye. If seen from a psychological point of view, it reflects the thinking of the society where people feel the mental effect of jealousy caused by the progress of others as an invisible energy.
Why do people apply kajal on forehead or cheeks to protect from evil eye and negativity?
The tradition of applying kajal tilak on the face, behind the ears or on the feet to neutralize the effects of the evil eye is very old. The simplest and most popular belief behind this is that this small black dot acts as a protective cover or shield. People have an unwavering belief that this black mark attracts the harsh effects of the evil eye and prevents it from reaching the main person. Two main arguments are given behind this; Firstly, black color has the amazing ability to absorb negative energy and evil eye, and secondly, a small imperfection mark on the face i.e. black mark slightly reduces the effect of the person’s overall beauty or attractiveness, due to which no one’s evil eye can directly rest on him. This tradition has been going on from generation to generation and even today, despite all the modernity, people have full faith in it.
This ancient and unique cultural tradition of black vaccine has spread from children to adults.
Generally, people have this perception that Kajal or Kala Tikka is applied only to newborns and small children to protect them from vision, but the reality is that its scope is much wider than children. Elders in Indian families have been using it for generations to protect members of all ages. For example, immediately after the marriage, a small dot of kajal is applied on the new bride’s face or behind her ear so that she does not face the evil eye. Apart from this, if any member of the family gets any big success, starts a new business or achieves any big achievement, then the women of the house immediately apply a light mark of kajal on his forehead or near the ear. This symbolizes that your happiness remains unnoticed and your progress remains safe.
From ancient Egyptian coal to Indian culture, know the glorious history of kajal.
The history of kajal and its use is not recent, but its roots are connected to ancient civilizations thousands of years old. If we turn the pages of history, we come to know that a similar beauty and medicinal product was used in ancient Egypt which was called ‘Kol’. The Egyptians used it to protect their eyes from sunlight and infections. Over time, this art and its use spread to different parts of the Middle East and South Asia and became a part of common life. As time passed, different societies and cultures added kajal with their own local beliefs and meanings. After coming to India, it was not limited to just eye cosmetics, but it became an essential medium of folk traditions, health protection and getting rid of the evil eye.