sindoor

Sindoor is a red or vermilion powder worn by married Hindu women in India and parts of South Asia. Traditionally applied along the part of the hair on the forehead, the line extends from the hairline toward the crown and serves as a symbol of marriage and a husband’s well-being. The practice is most common among Hindu communities, though related customs exist in other South Asian cultures. In many traditions, sindoor is applied daily after marriage; among some communities it is worn during special occasions as well. Widows ordinarily discontinue the practice, and the presence or absence of sindoor can signify marital status in social contexts.

Composition and forms: Sindoor is commonly described as vermilion powder. Historically this pigment originated from mercuric sulfide; modern commercial sindoor products often use synthetic red dyes and other binders. Some brands label their product mercury-free. Kumkum, a related red powder used for tilak and bindi, is distinct from sindoor in its typical use; sindoor specifically marks the hair parting.

Regional practices vary: in North India the sindoor line is a visible daily sign, while in some parts of the south other symbols or practices accompany marriage. Among the Indian diaspora, the custom has adapted to local cultures while retaining the core significance. Wearing sindoor is a personal and religious choice influenced by tradition, family expectations, and evolving attitudes toward gender and marriage.