Nazar Remedies: Got 'Buri Nazar'? Bihar's Desi Tricks to Ward Off the Evil Eye

Is your child constantly cranky or falling sick? Or are your plans just not working out? It could be 'buri nazar'. Here are some age-old, simple home remedies from Bihar that people still use to ward off the evil eye.

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Evil eye happens, be careful

Your kid is suddenly cranky, crying for no reason, or falling sick all the time? The elders in the family will say just one thing: 'Nazar lag gayi hai'. In Bihar's villages, some desi tricks to remove the evil eye are still very popular. People believe these aren't just superstitions, but wisdom passed down through generations. So, what are these famous remedies from Bihar?

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The chilli-salt removal

The women of the house take dried red chillies, salt, and mustard seeds in their hand. They circle this over the child's head and then throw it into a fire. If the burning chillies don't give off a strong, pungent smell, they believe the evil eye was very powerful. Some people today call this an 'observation technique'.

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Saturday's slipper-broom trick

Another custom involves warding off the evil eye with an old slipper or a broom. People then place it near the main door of the house. Many now see this as a way to 'release negative energy'. This ritual is usually performed on a Saturday.

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Mustard oil wick

People dip a cotton wick in mustard oil and circle it around the child's head. Then, they light the wick. They believe the sound of the oil drops falling into a water pot below is a sign that the 'nazar' is gone. The more the drops, the stronger the evil eye was. For newborns, this is done daily. Some even say it's like 'sound therapy' because it creates a calm atmosphere and soothes the baby.

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Warding off with soil and cow's tail

In rural areas, it's still common to use soil from the road, mixed with salt and chillies, to ward off the evil eye. Sometimes, they even use a cow's tail for the ritual. For them, this isn't just a quick fix; it's a way to stay connected with nature and tradition.

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What do experts say?

Experts agree that these methods are not medical treatments. However, they do make the family pay closer attention to the child and notice any issues early on. It also gives the child a sense of emotional security. But remember one thing: if your child is crying non-stop, has a fever, or isn't eating, don't just rely on home remedies. You must see a doctor immediately.

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Black thread and dot

Tying a black thread on a child's wrist or ankle and applying a small black dot of kajal ('drishti bottu') are the easiest ways to protect them from 'nazar'. This trend is still very much alive in families across both cities and villages.