Many people believe that the black or red mark seen on the foreheads of Indian women is an ancient form of traditional makeup.
However, it is far more than just a cosmetic element. According to longstanding Indian beliefs that have been passed down through generations, the center of the forehead is considered the seat of the soul in the human body — also known as the location of the “third eye.”
The mark we commonly see on Indian women's foreheads is called a "bindi". Traditionally, the bindi comes in two main colors: black and red. Unmarried women wear black bindis, while married women wear red ones.
For Indians who live in a meditative state of mind, the bindi symbolizes their hope of opening the “third eye” located in the center of the forehead. In this sense, the bindi also represents a spiritual journey.
The word bindi originates from the Sanskrit term bindu, meaning “point” or “dot.”
Today, bindi are most commonly seen in black and orange tones. It is also believed that the bindi serves as a protective symbol against negative thoughts. According to tradition, a bride entering her new home adorned with mehndi (henna) and a bindi brings happiness and good fortune.
While unmarried women wear black bindis and married women wear red (or orange), modern usage has transformed the bindi into a decorative accessory. As a result, bindi today come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, though they are still placed in the center of the forehead.
AzEns.az/ Jalya Orujeva