Indian Bindi

Bindi - a decorative enhancement of the forehead - is a powerul medium of body decoration, adding definition to the female face. Hindus attach religious significance to the Bindi and in India, it is often referred to as kumkum, tilak or sindoor and is an integral symbol of a married Hindu lady.

Traditionally vermilion is used to mark a large circle in the middle of the forehead as an adornment. However Bindis have now integrated into the fashion world with a wide range of shapes and intricate designs, available in sticker Bindis, finding their way to women's foreheads all over the world.

"A woman's beauty is multiplied 1,000 times when she wears a bindi" - Hindu Proverb.

'Bindi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' or a drop, and suggests the mystic third eye of a person. In ancient India, garlands were an important part of the evening-dress of both men and women. This was often accompanied by 'Visesakachhedya', i.e., painting the forehead with a bindi or 'tilaka'. In those days, thin and tender leaves used to be cut into different shapes and pasted upon the forehead. These leafy bindis were also known by various names - 'Patrachhedya', 'Patralekha', 'Patrabhanga', or 'Patramanjari'. Not only on the forehead, but also on the chin, neck, palm, breast and in other parts of the body, sandal paste and other natural stuff were used for decoration.

Bindis today are worn more for dramatic effect than anything else. Leaving traditions aside, bindis today come in a variety of materials like vinyl, plastic, crystal, stone, coloured liquid, and so on.

Bindi tattoos are a rage amongst the young. The sticker-bindi comes in all colours, shapes and designs, sequinned, dusted with gold powder, studded with beads and glittering stones and in different sizes. Some are truly exotic creations, using thin metal, in gold and silver colours, encrusted with glittering stones; others are shaped like a long straight vertical line or sometimes in a miniature alpana with a fine-tipped stick in squiggles, triangles and circles to work out a complicated artistic design.

The vermilion, traditionally used exclusively for bindis, is called 'sindura' or 'sindoor'. It means 'red', and represents Shakti (strength). It also symbolizes love - one on the beloved's forehead lights up her face and captivates the lover. As a good omen, 'sindoor' is placed in temples or during celebrations along with turmeric (yellow) that stands for intellect especially in temples dedicated to Shakti, Lakshmi and Vishnu.

Today, the bindi is also used for purely decorative purposes. Around the turn of the millennium, it has made its way into international fashion and is now considered as one of the hottest and trendiest fashion accessories for the bold and the beautiful. Bindis are worn on any part of the body, most commonly on the forehead and other parts of the face but also on chest, shoulder or belly. There is no limitation to the creativity of its wearer.

People wear bindis to match their outfit, enhance their attractiveness, show their attitude or emphasize their personality. They have a wide variety to choose from. There are bindis of various sizes, colors, designs, materials and qualities. They come as simple color marks, or studded with beads and glittering stones.

In the past few decades, not only married women have taken up this beautiful accessory. Girls of all ages enjoy wearing a variety of styles and colors. Today, these little gems are often matched with the color clothing a person is wearing. It is a must with sari, sarees, salwar kameez or other Indian dresses. It is also used as an accessory to any belly dance, ethnic dance costume or for body art. They come with a sticker like back that allows you to place the bindi securely. Bindis are fast becoming the accessory of choice for their sensual charm and sparkle.

Exotic, wonderful, colorful bindis for all occasions and needs. With sharp contours and studded stones, these bindis come in different sizes and look absolutely stunning.