Lemon-Chili Dangles

Lemons have long been considered auspicious among Hindus, and are displayed and used in most rituals. A lemon-chili bunch is often seen hanging from the doors of homes in India, especially newly constructed houses. New cars/bus/truck and other automobiles in India are driven over lemon as they are rolled out of showrooms. Many shops have other good-luck charms, too, from horseshoes over the door to Hindu idols and saffron clothes bought from holy places in India. For many, hanging a string of lemon and chilies in front of shops and houses may be a superstition but for some smart people it is a handsome business. According to the shop/ house owners, this dangling of chili and lemon is supposed to keep evil spirits out of your house or shop. There are fast track remedies for all ailments, like how to banish fear, fear of common colds, coughs in children, evil eye and frighten evil spirits. The Evil Eye Warder also known as "NAZAR BATTU" is used to keep home and businesses safe from all the evil spirits. This Battu traditionally has "seven mirchis" (chilies) and "one nimbu" (lemon) to protect home or shops from all the bad and evil spirits. At home it is dangled at the main door, in business establishments it is hung at the entrance-sometime changed daily, weekly or fortnightly.