Nimbu Mirchi Totka
Shopkeepers turn to charms of lemons and chilis for good luck
Gopi Purohit with a string of chillies and a lemon he will hang in his clothing shop in the Meena Bazaar.
In 2010, The National reported that “Hard-hit businessmen are pinning fresh citrus and spice over their doors to ward off ‘evil eyes’ as they struggle through tough economic times.” The article focused on the plight of Indian shopkeepers in Dubai, whose businesses were negatively impacted by the global recession and resulting drop-off in tourism.
The talisman referenced in the article, known as a nimbu mirchi totka, consists of seven chilis (mirchi) and a lemon (nimbu) and is used as an offering to Alakshmi, the goddess of misfortune. 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.
Chili peppers are believed to ward off evil and attract good fortune in other cultures too, but combining them with lemon is uniquely Indian.
The National goes on to explain: “Lemons have long been considered auspicious among Hindus, and are displayed and used in most rituals. A lemon-chilli bunch is often seen hanging from the doors of homes in India, especially newly constructed houses. New cars in India are driven over lemon as they are rolled out of showrooms. Many shops have other good-luck charms, too, from horseshoes over the door to Hindu idols and saffron clothes bought from holy places in India.”
In order to make the nimbu mirchi, take a needle and thread, preferably black thread, tie a thick knot at the end along with a black stone or piece of charcoal. Pierce the lemon with the needle and then the seven green chilis before tying it off with another knot. Both lemons and chilis have natural disinfectant properties and charcoal is a natural odor absorber, so some posit that the roots of this practice may actually be hygienic rather than supernatural. Either way, it’s good to know.
The video below shows a nimbu mirchi that The House made with seven chilis, a lemon and a base of charred palo santo. After burning the wood and letting it cool, The House created a loop with the thread and wrapped it around the charred wood. Then The House threaded a large needle and pierced the lemon and then the seven chilis before creating another loop at the end for hanging. The nimbu mirchi should last about a week.