Why Is Kajal Made On The Night Of Diwali? Expert Shares Insights

Many Indian households have a tradition of making kajal (kohl) on Diwali night. This practice, rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs, goes beyond beauty and is believed to carry protective qualities. We spoke with Mr. Sanjay Solanki, an experienced Jyotish Kalamani with 20 years of expertise, to uncover the origins and significance of making kajal on Diwali night.

Origin Of Kajal

Kajal, also known as kohl, has been part of Indian culture since ancient times. Traditionally, it was made by burning camphor or cotton dipped in oil to produce a dark soot, which was then mixed with ghee to create a smooth, dark paste. "In ancient times, kajal was primarily used to protect the eyes from harsh sunlight and prevent infections," explains Mr Solanki. The use of kajal is documented in Vedic texts, and it was also used for spiritual and medicinal purposes, believed to have the power to ward off negative energies.

Mr Solanki notes, "Kajal carries protective properties that ancient sages believed could shield the wearer from the ‘evil eye.’" This belief has been passed down through generations, symbolising an invisible armour against negativity and harm.

Why Is Kajal Made On The Night Of Diwali?

According to Mr Solanki, Diwali night is considered one of the most auspicious times of the year, particularly during the “Amavasya” or no-moon night, when spiritual energy is believed to be at its peak. "Diwali is a night when we welcome prosperity and ward off evil energies," he shares. Making kajal on Diwali night is a ritual to harness this energy for protection. When applied on the forehead or under the eyes, it is thought to serve as a shield against negative influences.

For families with children, kajal is often applied to infants on Diwali night as a protective charm. “We believe that applying kajal on children not only enhances their beauty but also guards them from harm,” says Mr. Solanki. This tradition ties in with the concept of “Nazar,” or the belief in the evil eye, where kajal is seen as a deterrent to negative gazes and malevolent forces.

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How To Make Kajal At Home?

While commercial kajal is readily available, making it at home during Diwali is still cherished by many. Mr. Solanki shares a traditional method that can be done easily:

• Step 1: Gather a small plate, a cotton wick, ghee or castor oil, and a clean container to store the kajal.
• Step 2: Light the cotton wick soaked in oil or ghee and place a plate above it to collect the soot. Mr Solanki suggests, "Using ghee has both cooling properties and symbolic meaning, as it represents purity."
• Step 3: Once you’ve gathered a sufficient amount of soot, scrape it gently into the container. Mix the soot with a drop or two of ghee or almond oil to make a smooth paste.
• Step 4: The freshly made kajal can be applied to the eyes, forehead, or behind the ears. According to Mr Solanki, “Applying kajal behind a child’s ear can also serve as a protective charm, especially on a powerful night like Diwali.”

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As Mr Solanki summarises, "Kajal is an ancient talisman that combines beauty with spiritual protection." While it holds deep-rooted significance in Indian culture, its protective purpose is what makes kajal-making a timeless tradition for Diwali night.

Image Credits: Freepik & Unsplash

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