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This concoction of green chilies and lime is an evil eye warder, generally known as “nazar battu” or “nimbu-mirchi totka”. It’s used to keep  homes and business safe from all sorts of evil spirits, but the main target is goddess Alakshmi. Unlike her popular sister Lakshmi, who brings prosperity and good fortunate, Alakshmi specializes in misery, poverty, misfortunes and bad luck. She is also known for her odd preferences in food: Alakshmi favors everything spicy, hot and sour. That’s why people hang a nimbu-mirchi totka at the main door of their homes or at the entrance of the shops and showrooms – this way the goddess of misfortune will have a chance to satisfy her hunger at once and leave without having to search for her favorite food inside.