Is nazar (evil eye) real — should we put kājal or a black thread on the baby?

it is a widespread folk belief expressing protective love; a small kājal dot behind the ear is harmless, but keep eyes, neck and safety in mind.

Dṛṣṭi or nazar — the idea that envious or over-admiring looks can harm a child — is found across India and in many cultures worldwide. Customs such as a black dot (ḍiṭhauṇā) on the cheek or behind the ear, a black thread, or circling salt and red chillies (nazar utārnā) come from a parent’s wish to protect. The scriptures emphasise prayer and God’s protection more than these practices.

If your family follows them, do so safely. Doctors advise against putting kājal or surmā inside a baby’s eyes, as some products contain lead and can cause infection. Threads or beads around the neck or wrist can be a choking or strangling risk for infants, so many families tie them loosely on the ankle or simply skip them.

A gentler alternative many families like: say “Om” or a short prayer while looking at the child, or recite “Rāma Rakṣā” lines. Love, hygiene and good care protect more than any thread.

No kājal inside infants’ eyes; no neck threads for babies · Source: folk tradition; paediatric safety advice

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