| The
bindi is arguably the most visually fascinating
of all forms of body decoration. Hindus attach
great importance to this ornamental mark on the
forehead between the two eyebrows — a spot
considered a major nerve point in human body
since ancient times.
What
is most astonishing about bindis besides the
limited amount of literature that exists on it,
is the attitude of people towards it. The bindi,
normally a vermilion mark, is adored by the
young and old. This mark has a religious
significance and is a visible sign of a person
as belonging to the Hindu religion. The bindi is
of many colours although normally it is
vermilion. It also does not have any standard
shape and form and is applied differently by
members of different sects and sub-sects.
Nowadays,
with changing fashion, women try out all sorts
of shapes and designs. It is, at times a
straight vertical line or an oval, a triangle or
miniature artistry ('alpana') made with a
fine-tipped stick, dusted with gold and silver
powder, studded with beads and crusted with
glittering stones. The advent of the
"sticker-bindi", made of felt with
glue on one side, has not only added colors,
shapes and sizes to the bindi but is an
ingenious easy-to-use alternative to the powder.
Today, bindi is more of a fashion statement than
anything else, and the number of young
performers sporting bindis is overwhelming even
— in the West. |
