Meme Magic: Wide-Eyed YouTuber Becomes Karnataka's New Evil Eye Ward

• A wide-eyed meme of YouTuber Niharika Rao is replacing traditional 'drishti bombe' (evil eye charms) across Karnataka.
• The image, showing a woman with dramatically wide eyes, is now seen on shops, homes, and construction sites statewide.
• Traditionally, frightening masks were used to ward off negative energy; now, a viral internet expression serves the same purpose.
• The mystery gained traction after a Bengaluru resident's X post on Jan 5, 2026, asking about the ubiquitous image.
• This trend highlights how ancient superstitions adapt, with internet culture transforming into modern-day folklore and protection.

Why It Matters: Internet memes are now Karnataka's modern shield against the evil eye, blending tradition with viral culture.