The Timeless Bindi, A Fashion Accessory Like No Other!

For most Indian women, no traditional outfit is complete without placing vermilion, or a colorful dot, on their forehead. The word “Bindi” comes from the Sanskrit word “Bindu” meaning dot or point. Traditionally, the area between our eyebrows is said to be the spot of the sixth chakra ‘agna’ meaning ‘command’. Placing the bindi on this spot is supposed to bring one closer to god. While the exact origin of the bindi is unknown (Archaeology has yielded clay female figurines from the Indus Valley with red pigment on the forehead and hair parting. It is unclear whether this held any religious or cultural significance), its significance in Indian culture and tradition cannot be overlooked. 



Interestingly, the humble bindi has been a prominent, and fascinating, fixture in pop culture. Bollywood heroines and common women alike sported the tiny red bindi in the 1930s and 1940s, perfectly amalgamating the modern and the traditional.


Devika Rani, widely acknowledged as the first lady of Indian cinema was famous for her pencil thin eyebrows and a small bindi look
Source: IMDb

This paved the way for bolder choices, and decorative bindis, such as the ‘tilaka’ (elongated forehead mark) started gracing the big screen.


Women are experimenting with newer bindis with different textures, sizes and colours
Source: A still from the Hindi film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam


Then, of course, came ‘Shilpa bindis’, revolutionizing the product and making the stick-on bindi for everyday use, unsurprisingly becoming a cult classic and a must in every woman’s drawer.  


Introduced in 1986, Shilpa was the first brand for stick on bindis in India
Source: eBay


The bindi has, in recent times, somewhat become a source of controversy. With the concept of cultural appropriation gaining prominence in media, many Western celebrities have been questioned for using the cultural symbol as just a fashion accessory, using terms such as ‘oriental’ and ‘exotic’ to describe it while completely avoiding the responsibility to learn about its cultural significance for millions of women in the Global South.


International celebrity Selena Gomez wearing a bindi as a fashion accessory—one among many such cases that sparked a discourse on cultural appropriation
Source: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

As more women seek to embrace their heritage, the quintessential Indian bindi is making a comeback on the global stage. Not only are women adorning their forehead the traditional way, but there has also been a resurgence of using small crystal bindis as facial accessories thanks to television shows such as Euphoria. It is safe to say that women are going beyond the basic red dot and experimenting with colors, textures, shapes, and sizes to accentuate their facial features. With the increasing belief that it is time to reclaim the bindi, you will be sure to find one for every occasion, whether it be simple and matte or oversized and neon, and all shades in between!

By Ira Sharma

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