''Chashm-e-Baddoor'' (Persian, , ) is a

slogan A slogan is a memorable motto or phrase used in a clan or a political, commercial, religious, or other context as a repetitive expression of an idea or purpose, with the goal of persuading members of the public or a more defined target group ...

extensively used in Iran,

North India North India is a geographical region, loosely defined as a cultural region comprising the northern part of India (or historically, the Indian subcontinent) wherein Indo-Aryans (speaking Indo-Aryan languages) form the prominent majority populati ...

and Pakistan to ward-off the

evil eye The evil eye is a supernatural belief in a curse brought about by a malevolent glaring, glare, usually inspired by envy. Amulets to Apotropaic, protect against it have been found dating to around 5,000 years ago. It is found in many cultures i ...

(which is called ''nazar'' in the region). It is a Persian language derivation which literally means "''far be the evil eye''".

Associated icons

There are two icons (or '' nazar battu'') that often appear in association with the slogan. One depicts a traditional Indo-Pakistani shoe (the ''

jutti The Juti or Jutti is a type of footwear common in North India, Pakistan, and neighboring regions. They are traditionally made up of leather and with extensive embroidery, in real gold and silver thread as inspired by royalty in the subcontinent ov ...

''), which symbolizes a shoe being thrown at whoever is casting an evil eye. Another is a stylized mask that shows a demonic face with oversized canines and two horns. Sometimes, another slogan appears in conjunction with ''Chashme-Baddoor'' – ''Buri nazar waale, tera munh kala'' (बुरी नज़र वाले तेरा मुँह काला, بری نظر والے تیرا مُنہ کالا, "''evil eyed one, your face will be blackened''").

Usage

The slogan is frequently uttered as a protective phrase when a loved one or friend succeeds, has good luck or otherwise receives praise, because those events are said to invite jealous attention. ''Chashme Baddoor'' and its associated icons are often seen as part of

truck art in South Asia A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport freight, carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, but the vast majority feature body-on-frame constructio ...

. It can also be seen in Indian and Pakistani homes, sometimes as an interwoven part of wall-hangings and other decorative art. The slogan is frequently used in popular media in the region, as in the 1981

Bollywood Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, is primarily produced in Mumbai. The popular term Bollywood is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (former name of Mumbai) and "Cinema of the United States, Hollywood". The in ...

movie, '' Chashme Buddoor'' and in a song from the 1961 movie, '' Sasural'' – "''Teri pyaari, pyaari soorat ko kisi ki nazar na lagey, Chashm-e-Baddoor''."

References

Culture of India Superstitions of Pakistan Urdu-language words and phrases Slogans Catchphrases Indian words and phrases {{India-culture-stub

Associated icons

Usage

See also

References