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Kajal, or kohl, transcends mere cosmetic use. It is deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and personal significance in several countries
In North Africa and the Middle East, women apply a long line of kajal between their lips and chin, to show they are married. (News18 Hindi)
Kajal has an ever-relevant role to play, especially in the Indian sub-continent, whether it be for beauty, protection, or tradition. It has been a part of the Indian bridal trousseau for a long time. Applying it to the waterline of the eye changes the countenance of the face and accentuates the beauty of one’s eyes. Kajal, or kohl, transcends mere cosmetic use as well. It is deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and personal significance.
Connection to Ancient Egypt
Historians believe that 3,100 years ago in ancient Egypt, people of every class used to protect their eyes from disease by applying kajal made from a stone called galena. They believed that if they drew on their eyes with kajal, the harmful rays of the sun would not affect them.
The 18th dynasty queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut used to grind burnt frankincense and apply it as kajal. Later in Egypt, kajal was also made by burning raisins and cinnamon.
Protection from ‘Evil Eye’
In Yemen, kajal is applied to a newborn baby immediately after birth. It is believed that it improves eyesight and the child is protected from the ‘evil eye’.
In many states of India, too, there is a ritual of applying kajal to keep infants, children and adults away from negative energies. In Hindi, a mark with kajal is called the Nazar Ka Tika. During weddings, kajal is applied to both the bride and the groom so that the newly-weds are protected from the ‘evil eye’.
Identity of Married Women
In North Africa and the Middle East, women apply a long line of kajal between their lips and chin, to show they are married. In Africa, both men and women apply kajal on every special occasion. Black henna is also applied to the face.
Kajal is even mentioned in Hindu mythology as a part of the 16 Shringars (makeup) of a married woman, enhancing her beauty and femininity. It adds to the overall appearance of the woman and complements the other traditional adornments like sindoor (vermilion) and bangles.
Infection Caused by Store-bought Kajal
Kajal comes in pencil, gel, powder and liquid packs in the market, but while buying them, it’s essential to read the ingredients and check their expiry date. If chemical-based kajal is applied to eyes, it can cause irritation, itchiness or even lead to dry, red, swollen eyes. It increases the risk of corneal ulcers or eye infections.
Before applying it to the eyes, apply it behind the ear and leave it for 24 hours. If there is no irritation, then you can apply that kajal to the eyes.
Homemade Kajal
Ayurveda practitioner SP Katiyar says that applying kajal has been described as beneficial in Ayurveda. But it is good for the health of the eyes only when it is made at home, he says. In India, it is a common practice to make kajal at home using traditional methods that are further passed down through generations.
To make kajal at home, burn sandalwood or sandal paste with castor oil and cotton wick and collect its smoke in a bowl.
Apart from this, fill ghee or mustard oil in a diya (earthen lamp) and put a wick in it. Place glasses on both sides of it and place a plate or glass on top of it. Now put almonds on top of the diya and burn it. This will cause its soot to settle on the plate. Later, put a few drops of almond oil and apply it to the eyes.
Treatment with Kajal
Kajal is called anjanam in Ayurveda. It is believed to be helpful in treating ailments related to eyes. Kajal is often said to have a cooling effect on the eyes, soothing and relieving eye strain from exposure to sunlight.
Essential Tips for Applying Kajal
Before applying kajal, a few things should be kept in mind so that it does not harm the eyes.
Kajal Application: Kajal should always be applied with fingers. The right time to apply it is in the morning.
Avoid Sharing Kajal: Infection can be avoided by not sharing kajal with another person.
Remove Kajal Before Sleeping at Night: Sometimes, kajal becomes the cause of dark circles along with infection. If kajal is applied all night, then the eyelashes may weaken and a disease called ptosis may occur causing eyelashes to fall.
Wash Hands With Soap: Before applying kajal and before removing it, ensure to wash hands properly. This will prevent bacterial infection. One can also use cleansing oil or coconut oil to remove kajal.