I don’t often remember to wish you a happy rakhri, but when I do, I spend a month planning it.

I made you a special rakhri, a nimbu mirchi nazar battu.

This evil eye talisman consists of seven chilis (mirchi) and a lemon (nimbu) and is used as an offering to Alakshmi, the goddess of misfortune. Alakshmi is the sister of Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Alakshmi is said to prefer sour, pungent and spicy flavors so the combination of the chili peppers and lemons is impossible for her to resist. Drawn to the citrus-y, peppery fragrance, Alakshmi feasts on the nimbu mirchi and stays outside the shop or house, keeping misfortune at bay.

Where ever there is Lakshmi,

Alakshmi can come along too.

Here’s hoping this rakhri keeps you safe and most importantly, reminds you that you owe me a gift.