Smriti Mandhana And Palash Muchhal Update Instagram Bios With Evil Eye Emoji: Could 'Nazar' Be For Real?

Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal's Instagram bios recently caught attention when they added the blue evil‑eye emoji (🧿). A small icon, but one with a simple meaning: protection from negativity. Before this, the couple had shared a series of joyful moments - a dreamy proposal at the stadium, a lively engagement reveal with friends, and vibrant haldi and sangeet celebrations all on social media.

Photo Credit: Instagram

After their wedding, scheduled for 23 November 2025 in Sangli, was postponed due to a health emergency in Smriti's family, all these posts were later removed. Whether the emoji is a sign of protection, a personal choice, or something else entirely, it left people wondering. The real question though - Is nazar actually real?

Why The Evil‑Eye Symbol Is Popular Today

The concept of nazar or the evil eye has ancient roots. Across cultures in India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, it is believed that a jealous or ill‑intentioned gaze can bring misfortune. Traditional measures to counter it include black threads, chili‑lemon hangings, kaala teeka, or special amulets.

In modern times, the evil-eye symbol has evolved into a fashion and digital trend. Bracelets, pendants, home décor, and even social media posts now often feature this symbol. The evil-eye emoji represents the digital-age translation of this age-old belief. Beyond superstition, it is a way to signal protection against negative energy, especially when people share personal milestones or achievements online.

According to reports, the trend has grown in India post-pandemic, reflecting both a desire for spiritual reassurance and a playful, aesthetic use on social media. Celebrities using the symbol either as jewellery or emojis reinforce its cultural resonance while also adding a layer of personal branding.

How The Concept Connects To Smriti Mandhana And Palash Muchhal

The use of the evil-eye emoji by Smriti and Palash came days after their wedding was postponed due to a health emergency in Smriti's family. Media coverage quickly highlighted the cultural meaning of the evil-eye symbol, with several outlets noting that it is often used as a protective charm against negativity.

It's a point to be noted that a wave of unverified cheating allegations against Palash surfaced in the media and on social platforms that were widely reported, but not confirmed by any credible source or by the couple themselves. With multiple narratives floating around, many interpret the emoji as a silent way of shielding themselves from gossip, speculation, and unwanted attention.

While neither Smriti nor Palash has explained the change, the gesture aligns with a longstanding cultural practice: using symbolic objects to ward off bad energy now translated into a digital form.

The episode highlights how ancient beliefs adapt to modern contexts. Here, a social media icon becomes both a symbol and a signal, conveying care, caution, and self-protection amid a moment of high public interest.

What We Don't Know And What Remains Belief

Despite its prominence, belief in nazar remains cultural and folkloric rather than scientific. There is no empirical evidence that the evil-eye charm or emoji can influence fortune or ward off misfortune.

The psychological impact, however, is real. Many people find comfort, reassurance, or a sense of control by displaying protective symbols. In the case of Smriti and Palash, the emoji likely serves as both a personal talisman and a subtle message to the world about boundaries and protection.

In short, while the emoji cannot "protect" anyone in a literal sense, it reflects enduring cultural beliefs, modern adaptation of tradition, and the symbolic ways people cope with stress, scrutiny, and uncertainty.

The 🧿 nazar emoji on Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal's profiles is more than a social media quirk, it is a cultural signifier that bridges tradition and modern life. Amid personal challenges and public attention, the couple's choice to use it highlights how ancient beliefs continue to find relevance today, even in digital spaces.

Whether one sees it as superstition, symbolism, or simply aesthetic, it has sparked curiosity and conversation across India, reminding us of the enduring human desire to protect what we hold dear be it family, milestones, or peace of mind.