Beauty & Fashion

Bindi Definition:Tradition mark. Hindu wives

A bindi (from Sanskrit bindu, meaning "a drop, small particle, dot") is a forehead decoration worn in South Asia (particularly India, Bangladesh)[1] 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.[2] 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,[3] Gwen Stefani, Shakira, Madonna, Nina Hagen, Nelly Furtado, and Shania Twain have been seen wearing bindis. At the 2010 Grammys, artist Katy 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

A bindi can be called:

Tikli in Marathi
Pottu in Malayalam and Tamil
Tilak in Hindi
Kunkuma in Kannada
Tilo in Konkani
Chandlo in Gujarati
Bottu or Tilakam in Telugu
Bottu or Tilaka in Kannada
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.[4] 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, and is not restricted to Hindus.

Bindi Definition Fashion Bindi Bridal Bindi Design Woman Eye Care Wear Girl Hair Accessory Hair Accessories Headbands Hair Bows Accessories Hair Clips Accessories Hair Accessories Barrettes Hair Accessories Hats Wear Hair Comb Fower Girl Hair Accessories Lady Fashion Handbag Bag Lady Costume Fashion Tote Bags Lady Laptop Bag Shopping Bag Lady Woman Shawl Stoles Ponytail Hair Accessories Pashmina Shawls Stoles Scarves Shawls Cashmere Shawls Silk Scarves Beaded Shawls Paisley Shawls Scarves Fashion