Nazar: When Protection Becomes Survival

For most of my life, I never truly believed in nazar.

I had heard about it, of course. I grew up in a Sanathan x Vedic household where these concepts were spoken about, acknowledged, and quietly respected. But belief? Not really. I always assumed that if your intentions were pure, if your heart was kind, and if you genuinely wished well for others, then negativity simply wouldn’t find you.

Last year proved me wrong.

2025 brought with it the most insane, crippling bout of what I can only now describe as nazar. It shook me to my core. It broke me in ways I didn’t know were possible. I reached a point where I felt like disappearing—not out of weakness, but out of self-preservation.

Up until then, I had always believed that when people look at someone or their journey, it comes from a place of excitement and joy for them. I genuinely celebrate people because  I understand that a rose only blooms after hardship, endurance, and seasons of unseen struggle. Nothing meaningful happens overnight. That belief still stands.

So when everything began unraveling, I questioned myself endlessly.

How could simply existing stir up so much negativity?

My heart shattered. I had a young child who needed me to be present, capable, and whole—yet I found myself functioning at the bare minimum. Some days, even that felt like too much. I wasn’t living; I was surviving.

And survival pushed me into unfamiliar territory.

Between Ritual and Spirituality

Anyone who truly knows me knows that my roots are deeply Sanathan. Those foundations shaped me, strengthened me, and gave me a moral compass I still carry today. But as I grew older, my journey shifted. I leaned more into spirituality than ritual. I needed meaning, not force. Connection, not obligation.

So when I found myself desperately searching for ways to protect myself, I knew one thing for certain:

Anything forced was not going to work for me.

During my retreat, I spent long days reflecting on everything that came towards me in 2025. I processed the pain, the loss, the confusion—and I realised something profound:

Protection has got to start from within.

Not fear.
Not paranoia.
But grounding. Awareness. Intention.

Returning to What Felt Familiar

We started grounding ourselves daily—almost daily, at least. Slowly. Gently.

I remembered my childhood baths. There was always salt. Always. It was never explained; it simply was. So I reintroduced it into our lives, alongside a few other salt-based practices that felt natural rather than performative.

At the same time, I began consciously manifesting my life as I see it in my mind.

Manifestation was another concept I never truly believed in—until The Desi Closet took me to India. During that trip, I met my mainline supplier, and through conversation he shared how he and his wife manifested their future together—down to the details—and how it unfolded exactly as envisioned.

More recently, when I expressed that changes were coming my way, he paused. He expressed concern—not fear, but awareness—and gently reminded me to return to the manifesting journey.

So I did.

I started mid-December. I’m still in it. And trust me—I will absolutely share how this unfolds.

But for now, I want to share what has grounded us in this season

Salt Rituals We’ve Implemented This Year

These are not rules. They are practices. Choose what resonates and leave the rest.

• Salt Baths
A handful of coarse salt added to bath water, with the intention of releasing heaviness, negativity, and emotional residue. Even a short soak makes a difference.

• Salt Bowls at Entry Points
Small bowls of salt placed near entrances, replaced weekly, to absorb stagnant or heavy energy.

• Salt in Cleaning Water
Adding salt to mop water while cleaning floors, especially after emotionally heavy days.

• Intentional Disposal
Used salt is never reused. It’s discarded mindfully, acknowledging what it has carried away.

• Grounding Before Sleep
A moment of stillness—feet on the floor, breath slowed, intention set—for protection, clarity, and peace.

Alongside this, I also incorporate:

• Wearing a black thread or nazar bracelet
• Reciting a short prayer or protective affirmation
• Practising gratitude quietly, without over-sharing every blessing 
• Incorporating an evil-eye accessory into my daily outfits

Where I Am Now

I don’t claim to fully understand nazar even now. Maybe I never will. But I no longer dismiss it. I respect it. And more importantly, I respect myself enough to protect my energy.

This journey hasn’t been about superstition. It’s been about survival, healing, and reclaiming softness—without vulnerability becoming a liability.

If you’re reading this and feeling seen, know that you’re not imagining things. And you’re not weak for wanting protection.

Sometimes, grounding is the bravest thing you can do.

At The Desi Closet, we’ve always believed that culture is more than clothing. It’s the wisdom, stories, and traditions that keep us grounded—especially as we step into new seasons.

May your renewal be protected, your health strengthened, and your blessings flow gently and safely.

Love and Light,
Suvarna Gangai
Founder | The Desi Closet SA

PS : please connect with me if this post resonated with you!