The decorative bindi, also called bottu, tilak, tika or kumkum, has long been associated exclusively with Hindu women but, as a look at fashion magazines around the world will prove, these days are long gone. Today, decorative or sticker bindis come in all sizes, colors and variations and can be worn by young and old, married and unmarried women of any religion alike.
Indian Bindi Designs
The red dot on the forehead was traditionally drawn by hand by dipping one’s fingertip in red vermilion or kumkum powder and applying as round a dot as possible. In fact, bindi means round in Sanskrit and bottu, going back to Dravidian sources, means fingertip.
The bindi’s popularity is caused by no small extend to the fact that they are an inexpensive way to add that little extra to any outfit – regardless if one is going to the office, a party or a wedding. The limits of bindi designs hence just depend on the creativity and imagination of bindi makers and designers. Here’s a selection of popular bindi styles:
- shapes: dots, diamonds, daggers and lines
- colors: any color matching any dress shade
- materials: from felt to adhesive stickers to traditionally drawn bindis
- decorations: rhinestones, sequins, glass beads and gold and silver threads
The Significance of the Bindi
The bindi is usually placed between the eyebrows, the location of the sixth chakra or energy center. It is called ajna and said to be the “seat of concealed wisdom” and the exit point for spiritual energy. Applying a bindi in this ajna spot is supposed to strengthen concentration and retain energy. The bindi is also said to ward off the evil eye in the form of demons or bad luck.
Traditionally, the bindi has been the symbol of a married woman whose husband is alive, therefore widows were not allowed to wear it. In fact, during the husband’s funeral, the red kumkum powder once used for drawing the bindi is thrown on his body while it is wiped from his wife’s forehead. Today, some widows wear bindis as do unmarried women and women and girls who are not Hindus.
The History of the Indian Bindi
The earliest references to the bindi in the literature were drawings in third- and fourth-century texts showing Hindu women with bindis. It is assumed today that the bindi was used to distinguish women from different castes if and by the way they wore their bindis – what color they had and what shape.
Even in ancient times, bindis used to be not only red, but also white, yellow, brown and black, depending on the material they were made from – plants, seeds, fruits or soot. Red was always a color considered auspicious and therefore used on most occasions.
The meaning of the bindi has not only shifted but got completely reversed over the centuries – from a mark of exclusion or exclusivity to a decorative (fashion) statement that unites women around the world.
Sources:
- Maheswaraiah, H.M. „Caste Mark.” In Peter J. Claus, Sarah Diamond, Margaret Ann Mills. South Asian Folklore, 99-100. Taylor & Francis, 2003.
- Das, Subhamoy. “Bindi: The Great Indian Forehead Art.” About.com, 2009.
Readers of the articles What to Wear at Indian Weddings and Accessorizing Indian Wedding Dresses will know that especially for women, looking good and fashionable is all about matching dress and accessories perfectly – no wonder then that sticker bindis are available in all colors of the rainbow. Don’t miss reading about Indian Henna Or Mehndi Art.
Simone Preuss - Simone is a freelance writer, editor and translator who decided to go solo after a successful career in publishing. That was more than ...
Join the Conversation