Bindi is one of the important accessories listed in solah singar as it is seen as an auspicious mark. It is worn by women and young girls on their forehead in india. Now you must be wondering why I came up with a bog on it? So let me tell you it holds lot of importance in Indian culture and nowadays it is a trending fashion accessory.
Well, the name ‘Bindi’ is basically derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Bindu’ which means ‘Dot’ or ‘Point’. It is worn between eyebrows on the forehead and is mainly made up of vermillion powder. Bindi is usually red in colour that enhance women’s overall look. We can trace its origin from ancient time but nowadays it is losing its significance because of our modern lifestyle. It is not only worn in India but it is loved by women across countries as a fashion accessory. But still we can see it holds a special significance in our Indian tradition. In different occasions and stages of life different colours of bindis are worn. Although women don’t follow these rules of colours and go for the onces they like.
Importance of Bindi in India
Religiously bindi is associated with a women’s mystical third eye. The area where it is worn is believed to be the sixth chakra also known as the ajna chakra which means “command,” and is also the seat of concealed wisdom. Many tantric cults believe that the ajna chackra is the outlet for potent energy as during meditation latent energy rises from the very base of the spine that is released through passing towards the head. The red one between the eyebrows is also said to retain energy in the women’s body and control various levels of concentration. It is the central point of the base of creation itself and thus symbolizes good and auspiciousness fortune. Apart from being an auspicious sign of wedding, it also is thought to guarantee sanctity of the institution of marriage and the social status of family. As after the wedding ceremony bride enters the groom’s house with sparkling outfit, ornament and red bindi it is believed that this grants her the place to be the guardian to the family, it means she will handle the welfare and progeny of the family.
Types of Bindi
1. Red Bindis:
This is the simple and classic Bindi type that is idle for everyday look. Earlier it was worn using Kumkum or vermilion but nowadays sticker bindis are available. This type is very popular amongst married women India. It varies in the shades of red to maroon and also in sizes (Small-Big).
2. Long Bindis:
This is a great bindi type as it is very unique and stylish at the same time. It is generally worn in the centre as the regular one but the only difference here is its long. It can be applied using black eyeliner pencil or black liquid eyeliner. You can also decorate it using some glitter according to your preference. Nowadays long Bindi are also available in sticker form.
3. Small Bindis:
Small Bindi as the name itself suggest is a small sized bindi. It can be of any colour no specification of being red in colour. It is idle for minimal look as well as daily wear. It can vary in shapes too but generally it is preferred round in shape by Indian women.
4. Floral Bindis:
This Bindi style is made considering Flowers and leaves. It is in the shape of floral design that represents it well. It can be self-made using eye liner and some glitter or you can use the one that are available in sticker form with stone and variety of colours.
5. Stone Bindis:
Stone bindi is a type that is made up of Swarovski crystals or colourful stones which are available in variety of shapes and sizes. Stone bindi catch all the attention to your face as it shines out. Your look is complete if you have minimal makeup and complimenting Lipstick with dramatic eyes.
6. Bridal Bindis:
As the name itself says it all, bridal bindi is worn by the brides on their Wedding Ceremony that look absolutely stunning. It is not worn in the centre of the eyebrows like the regular ones instead it is worn over the arch of the eyebrows. It is made up of glitters and stone to compliment the bridal lehenga.
7. Layered Bindis:
It is very stylish and elegant type of bindi that is worn using more than one bindi that means it is layered on the top of each other. Styling it totally depends on you as you can use different colours or also stones and glitters to layer it. You can also use different shapes to layer as it will create new design too.
8. Geometric Bindis:
The name itself explains what exactly this bindi type is all about. Basically it in the geometric shapes like rectangle, square, triangle or rhombus. This type goes very well with simple attire and excellent for working women as it gives a formal look.
9. Designer Bindis:
Designer bindi is the most stylish and unique type as it can be worn for some specific or important occasion. It is made up of big stones, glitters and colours that enhance the look. This adds glamour to your look and also very popular amongst women in India.
10. Marathi Bindis:
Marathi Bindi is also known as Chandra Bindi or chandrakor is the distinguishing feature of a Marathi women from others. It is in the shape of crescent moon that looks extremely beautiful. This is an ethnic Maharashtrian Bindi you should definitely try.
Bindi for Different Face shapes
1. Women with heart shaped face should opt for small bindi as this will justify your look and also look sweet and cute.
2. Oval face shape is the luckiest one as all bindi type suits it well but try to avoid the big ones.
3. Women with round shape should try out long bindis as this will help in getting long face shape look.
4. If you have triangular face you can go for big bindi or the designer bindi this will surely enhance your look.
5. Women with square shape face should try and opt for Marathi bindi or geometric one.
Different names of Bindi in India
It has various names as it is worn by different women in different region all over the globe. It has 12 different names in India:
• Chandlo in Gujarati
• Tip in Bangali
• Tilak in Hindi
• Phot in Assamese
• Pottu in Malayalam and Tamil
• Kunkuma in Kannada
• Bindi in Punjabi
• Tika in Nepal
• Kunkoo in Marathi
• Bottu in Telugu
• Tilo in Konkani
