The concept of "nazar" or the evil eye has been deeply ingrained in many cultures, including Indian society, for centuries. It refers to the belief that someone can unintentionally bring harm or misfortune to another person, especially infants or children, through envy or admiration.                  

Nazar is often associated with the vulnerability of infants and young children. Elders, family members, and friends may express admiration for a child's beauty or health, inadvertently drawing attention to them and potentially attracting the evil eye. This belief is often accompanied by rituals or precautions aimed at safeguarding children from its effects.

One of the common practices to ward off nazar involves using various talismans, charms, or amulets, such as a black dot (kaala tikka) or a small piece of black cloth, which are believed to absorb or repel the negative energy caused by the evil eye. Additionally, rituals involving prayers, burning certain herbs, or using specific gestures are performed to protect the child.

While some may dismiss the concept of nazar as superstition, its continued prevalence in Indian society suggests a deeper cultural significance and the psychological comfort it provides to many individuals. 

In the modern context, the validity of nazar in Indian society remains a subjective matter. Skeptics may view it as a product of tradition and superstition, while others find comfort and reassurance in following these age-old practices to protect their children.                                                              

It's essential to recognize that beliefs such as nazar are deeply rooted in cultural and traditional frameworks. While some may attribute certain occurrences to the evil eye, it's crucial to also acknowledge the role of rational explanations, such as coincidence, natural causes, or scientific reasoning behind certain events.

Ultimately, the validity of nazar in today's Indian society, especially concerning babies and kids, lies in the realm of personal beliefs and cultural heritage. Whether viewed as a superstition or a meaningful tradition, it continues to shape the customs and practices surrounding child care and protection in many Indian households.           

Here are a few examples that illustrate how the belief in nazar manifests in Indian society concerning babies and kids:

1. Protective Charms and Amulets: Families often use various objects believed to ward off the evil eye. For instance, a black dot or a small black thread might be tied around a child's wrist or pinned to their clothing. Some families also hang a black beaded chain or an amulet called a "nazar battu" near the baby's crib or in the house to deflect negative energy. Kaala tikka is generally seeing accompanying a baby since birth. ‘Nazariya’ or a black beads bracelet is also considered a protective charm.

2. Avoiding Compliments: There's a custom of being cautious with compliments, especially about a child's health or appearance. It's believed that excessive praise might attract the evil eye. To counter this, people might say "Mashallah" or "Nazar na lage" (May no evil eye affect) after complimenting a child, as a way of warding off any negative effects. Many a times you can see an elder stopping you from complimenting your own child in order to avoid attracting Nazar.

3. Protective Rituals: Families might perform specific rituals to protect infants and children from nazar. This could involve reciting prayers, lighting incense or candles, waving certain objects around the child, or using blessed water to symbolically cleanse and shield the child from negative influences.

4. Cultural Traditions: Certain cultural events, like a baby's naming ceremony or their first haircut, are seen as vulnerable times when the child might be susceptible to the evil eye. Families might take extra precautions during these ceremonies, ensuring the child is surrounded by protective elements or performing specific rituals to counter any potential negative effects.

5. Seeking Remedies: If a child falls unexpectedly ill or experiences unexplained discomfort, some families might attribute it to nazar. In such cases, they might seek remedies from spiritual healers, priests, or elders knowledgeable about traditional practices to alleviate the perceived effects of the evil eye.

These examples demonstrate how the belief in nazar influences everyday practices and customs related to child care in Indian society.

The belief in nazar and its significance often varies between older and younger generations in Indian society, reflecting changes in cultural attitudes, exposure to different worldviews, and evolving perspectives on tradition and superstition. Many from the older generation tend to have a strong belief in nazar due to their upbringing and the cultural values instilled in them from an early age. They might adhere more closely to traditional practices and rituals aimed at protecting children from the evil eye. Many younger individuals, due to exposure to diverse perspectives, education, and access to information leads them to approach these beliefs with more skepticism.