The bindi, also known as the tika or tilak is derived from the word ‘bindu’, meaning ‘a drop’ in the ancient language Sanskrit. Originally made from the juice of the red flower ‘kum kum’, it has been used in India since ancient times.

The bindi, a red dot applied on the forehead between the eyes has varied significances – both mundane and metaphysical. The circular bindi worn by a woman and applied fresh daily was traditionally a sign that she was married; a widowed woman had to renounce that right.

The colour red, while being a symbol of auspiciousness and abundance is also the colour of blood, denoting the vital life force and energy of a person. Its placement on the forehead corresponds to an important acupressure point for increasing energy levels. This position is also spiritually symbolic of the sixth chakra or energy centre often referred to as the ‘third eye’ which is believed to represent insight and intuition (what the normal vision cannot see). It was thought that daily application would awaken one to one’s connection to the divine and inner vision. The shining bindi on the beloved’s forehead is also supposed to mesmerize her lover.

Although predominantly worn by women, priests and men on the spiritual path, too, wear red, white and yellow bindis as a sign of their devotion to God. Special occasions such as weddings, festive and religious days also merit the application of bindis.

Over the years, the traditional role and function of the bindi in India has evolved into that of a fashion accessory with bindis of every colour and shape worn to match the latest outfit. Increasingly, celebrities in the West such as Madonna, Helena Christensen and Cindy Crawford as well as fashion designers have succumbed to the allure of the bindi.

The bindi has made a long and colourful journey from its ancient roots steeped in custom and religion. It has travelled from the forehead to the eyes, belly button, nails and toes, and evolved from a simple red painted dot to the highest fashion statement with embellishments of beads, crystals, silver, gold and velvet, just to name a few. The uses are as varied as its colours. Limited only by one’s imagination. Perhaps in its own inimitable way, the little bindi has brought diverse cultures just that little bit closer, both in awareness and acceptance. Where will it travel to next?