(“glance”) The term
nazar literally means "unobstructed path of sight to a person or object."
The term nazar is also widely used to refer to the "evil eye," a
malefic effect exerted on humans via sight, especially eye-to-eye contact.
Among traditional Hindus, the presence of the evil eye is
commonly recognized.
It is fended off either by avoiding such gazes or by
performing protective ceremonies.
See David F. Pocock, "The Evil Eye," in T. N. Madan (ed. ), Religion in India, 1991, for further information.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.