I have seen many foreigners wondering as to why do Indian women put a Bindi (dot as they call it) on their forehead? Bindi is traditionally worn on the forehead (commonly by Hindu women), right between the eyebrows. It was considered mandatory for all Hindu married women, but with the changing times and traditions, women in urban cities like to put Bindi as per their desire and liking or most of the times just give it a skip; not to forget that this generally doesn’t go well with a western outfit. In rural areas Bindi is still considered to be a ‘must’ for all married women. Bindi, though is worn even by girls and unmarried women as an accessory being part of a dress. Recently some international celebrities have also been in news for wearing a Bindi.

Bindi has been constantly changing its Nature with times. Traditionally only Kumkum, Chandan or ash was used for applying a Bindi. Kumkum was prepared by adding lime to the turmeric. Due to its natural ingredients, the mixture is considered to be helpful in headaches while the colour red helps retain positive energy of the body. Chandan has always been known for its cooling properties and its benefits on the skin. Ash has all the aforementioned benefits along with the positive influence of the material that is burnt to result in ash.

With the changing times, slowly liquid bindi with different colours and shades came into market. During my childhood, I saw my mother applying bindi with a lipstick as well. Now the Bindis can be found of varied shapes, sizes, colours and designs. For the ease of application, the Bindis come with no-fuss self-sticking adhesives so one can simply peel it off from the sticker and apply. Simple as that!

Most of the Indian traditions have had some scientific significance also. Same goes for Bindi as well. In Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, a bindi is associated with the Anjana chakra popularly known as the third eye chakra. This is the sixth primary Chakra, or energy point in the body, according to Hindu tradition, and signifies conscience. It is believed that when this spot is stimulated it helps a person in a number of ways including making you calmer and helping beat anxiety. It is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. It also stimulates the Bindu (point where the bindi is put) which in turn stimulates the muscles of the face and increases blood flow resulting in nourished skin and less wrinkles. Massaging of the Bindu also helps in reducing fine lines between the eyebrows, insomnia due to its calming effect as also beneficial for the muscles of your eyes.

Bindi has also been associated with the feminine power of God. Women often offer Bindis along with other offering to the various forms of Goddesses to seek their blessings for a long and happy married life.

Now that you know that the Bindi does not necessarily has to be worn by only Hindu married women, go ahead, get some beautiful Bindis to enhance your beauty or for just a style statement.