By Mukti Sharma (04thFebruary, 2008)
Whats common between Madonna, Shania Twain, Gwen Stefani, Marisa Tomie,
Aaliyah, Heather Graham, Shakira, Goldie Hawn and many other Hollywood
celebrities? They have all reinforced the fact that Bindi, one of the Indian
trivial looking make-up items is hot! Bindi literally means dot, has come of
age is pretty cool cosmetic item among today’s women when it comes to
making a style statement. It’s a small and petty looking cosmetic
accessory but its richness and tradition in India has more insight than
perhaps any other make-up product.
In India Bindi epitomizes Indian womanhood and much deeper significance. It
had never been a make up accessory for women but a ritual and custom to wear
it everyday. Traditionally, every Hindu women wear a Bindi with sindoor
(vermillion), especially Indian wedding used to solemnize after groom
decorate his bride with sindoor on the forehead and area of middle parting
of the hair followed by freeing her virginity on the wedding night. This is
sort of a ritual means that girl has become a woman.
In ancient times every Hindu woman had to wear sindoor on her forehead
between the two eyes. The particular place has a significance as it was
known as ‘Ajna Chakra’ (spiritual eye) or ‘Third Eye’
and a symbol of inner power(shakti). Traditionally Bindi was a vermilion
paste or sandal paste.(mainly in southern India).
For the past few years Bindi has emerged as a major style statement. No
more cultural or traditional manifestation but women just love to sport
Bindi as any other make-up items. Its not only confines to forehead but
girls sport it on cheeks,below eye and on the naval area. The rage has
forced designers to rediscover Bindi in various shapes, cuts, designs,
colors and texture. Its become an essential accessory in most girl’s
handbag.
Bindis are more of a brand and designers does innovative experiment to make
it more attractive. It has been cut and designed according to mood and
occasion,comprises of beadwork, handprints, meenakari work,kundan,studded
stones,pearls and diamonds.
Indian traditions pave way for a new hip fashion affirmation where glossy
fashion shows,film and television celebrities sport their face with
exquisite and new array of Bindi.
Other Indian Traditions
Indian Wedding
Mehendi
Cultural India
Cultural Tour Of India
