bindi

Bindis are decorative marks worn on the center of the forehead, typically between the eyebrows. The term bindi derives from the Sanskrit word bindu meaning a point or drop. Traditionally worn in South Asia, particularly in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and among the diaspora, bindis are associated with Hinduism and other South Asian religious practices, though they also appear in secular fashion.

Historically, the red bindi signified marriage among Hindu women, with kumkum or sindoor applied in the area between the eyebrows. Over time, bindis have been worn by women of various ages and marital statuses, and in some communities are worn by men on ceremonial occasions.

Forms vary widely: a simple red dot of vermilion powder (kumkum), a synthetic sticker or jewel, or a colorful painted dot; materials range from kumkum powder, colored sand, to glass, plastic, metal, or gemstone embellishments. The placement is the area of the ajna chakra, or third eye, and is sometimes described as a spiritual symbol of awakening or focus, though in contemporary use it is primarily decorative.

Modern fashion has expanded the bindi beyond religious or marital meanings. It is used as a cultural accessory in traditional attire like saris and salwar kameez, as well as in contemporary outfits. In some regions, other marks like tilak or sindoor are distinct from the bindi.