A bindi on a forehead.
A
bindi (from
Sanskrit bindu, meaning "a drop, small particle, dot") is a forehead decoration worn in
South Asia (particularly
India) and
Southeast Asia, not to be confused with a
tilaka. Traditionally it is a dot of red colour applied in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrows, but it can also consist of a sign or piece of jewelry worn at this location.
Modern use
Bindis are worn throughout South Asia, specifically India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, by women and girls, and no longer signify age, marital status, religious background or ethnic affiliation.
[Parvesh Handa, "Home Beauty Clinic", Pustak Mahal, ISBN 8122300995] The bindi has become a decorative item and is no longer restricted in colour or shape. Self-adhesive bindis (also known as sticker bindis) are available, usually made of felt or thin metal and adhesive on the other side. These are simple to apply, disposable substitutes for older tilak bindis. Sticker bindis come in many colors, designs, materials, and sizes. Fancier sticker bindis are decorated with sequins, glass beads, or rhinestones.
Outside South Asia, bindis are sometimes worn by women of Indian origin. Some Western women who have
converted to Hinduism, such as in the
Hare Krishnas, also wear bindis. Sometimes they are worn as a style statement. International celebrities such as
Julia Roberts,
Gwen Stefani,
Shakira,
Madonna,
Nina Hagen,
Nelly Furtado, and
Shania Twain have been seen wearing bindis. At the 2010 Grammy's, artist
Kate Perry attended wearing a bindi.
Bindis are not as fashionable to the younger generation and are often worn on formal and traditional occasions now. The popularity of bindis varies with the latest fashion trends of South Asia.
Alternative names of bindi
An Indian woman with a tilaka on her forehead, not to be confused with a bindi.
A bindi can be called:
- Teep (literally meaning "a pressing") in Bengali
- Nande is a term erroneously used to describe a bindi in Malaysia. It may contain pejorative connotations although not in most cases.
Religious significance
The area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth
chakra,
ajna, the seat of "concealed wisdom". According to followers of Hinduism, this chakra is the exit point for
kundalini energy. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. It is also said to protect against demons or bad luck.
In modern times, bindis are worn by women of many religious dispositions in South Asia and Southeast Asia, including
Muslim and
Christian women, and is not restricted to Hindus.
Related customs
In addition to the bindi, in India, a
vermilion mark in the parting of the hair just above the forehead is worn by married women as a symbol of their married status. During North Indian marriage ceremonies, the groom applies
sindoor on the parting in the bride's hair. Ancient Chinese women wore similar marks (for purely decorative purposes) since the second century, which became popular during the
Tang Dynasty.
Collection of modern bindis.
