India ... An amazing country with extraordinary color and old traditions does not leave indifferent any travelers. In this area, folk rites have been strictly observed for centuries, which is why it has its own unique culture, which has continuously developed over more than 4500 years. Over this significant period of time, it changed and underwent various metamorphoses. This is largely related to the national clothes of the Indians and how the point on the forehead looked from the Indian women. Many will agree that the Indian national outfit has a special ethnic originality, which makes it even more attractive.
Colorful country with ancient traditions
The national image in clothes has been formed for centuries under the influence of various factors, however, it is worth noting that it has absorbed the best and now can rightfully be called elegant and comfortable. The most popular traditional women's apparel today is the sari, which invariably complements the dot on the forehead of the Indian woman (name Bindi or Tilak). This piece of clothing is a piece of fabric from 4 to 9 meters in size that the girl ties around her waist and throws over her shoulder, covering her chest. Sarees must be worn with a petticoat and a blouse, also called raviq or choli. What is the name on the forehead of Indian women and why is it an integral part of the Indian image? This and much more will be discussed later.
What does the point on the forehead of Indian women mean?
This is not just a beautiful ethnic ornament. It has its own meaning and history. Without a doubt, one of the traditional elements of the image is precisely the famous Indian woman, a point on her forehead. It has several varieties and meanings. One of the species is tilak. It is applied by clay, ash or other substance. So, what does the point on the forehead of Indian women mean? Since India is a deeply religious country, it can have quite a few meanings that are somehow related to worship of the gods. But this is not the only purpose of tilak. In fact, he can tell a lot about origin and caste. It all depends on the material, color and the place where the dot is applied.
Varieties and traditional color
Fans of this beautiful jewelry often wonder about the name of the point on the forehead of Indian women. Another variety is bindi. Like tilak, they differ in color. Most often on the expanses of Hindustan there is a black or red dot. She wears a woman bound by marriage, that is, married. Free girls traditionally should not put bindi. Many are interested in the question of why the Indian women have a point on the forehead, and not between the eyebrows. The thing is again in the religious worldview of the Hindus. They consider this the third eye that opens wisdom. Although tilak, unlike bindi, can be located not only on the forehead, but also in other places, which, according to some, open the chakras of wisdom.
A tradition that has become a fashion trend all over the world.
Today, tilak and bindi have spread widely outside of India and are more likely an ethnic accessory and decoration than a symbol of religious affiliation. Today they have become additions to the everyday and even festive image of girls in different countries. However, for the Indians themselves, this remains a traditional symbol, which is important in the culture and everyday life of every resident of India. Few people delve into history in order to find out its origin. Arriving on a tourist visit to the country, girls should be extremely careful not to accidentally offend the religious feelings of believers.
Standard recipe
The composition of bindi is quite simple. This red powder is none other than mercury sulfide, although sometimes an oil or wax base is added to it. It is noteworthy that in ancient times the composition of bindi also included cobra venom and ashes. A rather strange recipe, but who, if not the Indians, better know what to make of this traditional element of the national image. According to ancient legends, the composition of bindi should be such that the point is easily and accurately applied to the forehead and does not smear. The Hindus have successfully managed to create just such a combination of ingredients so that tillak is as beautiful and convenient for application as possible. In Indian women, the point on the forehead looks really excellent to this day.
Favorite decoration of modern girls
Girls have been training for quite a long time so that it turns out perfectly smooth. Today, the modern industry offers a huge number of artificial jewelry like Bindi. Girls wear it on the territory of almost all of South Asia. This accessory was to the taste not only of married women, for whom it was originally intended, but also just stylish girls, eager to stand out and keep up with the fashion trends of the beauty world. Initially, bindi was traditionally red and round in shape, but over time, the trends led to the fact that it changed beyond recognition, acquired a wide variety of colors and shapes.
Part of the history of bindi is the fact that women are traditionally not allowed to draw it during the “these days”. When India had not yet gained independence, a dot on the Indian woman's forehead spoke of her belonging to one of the castes, the same applies to the tilak that some men inflicted on themselves. Indeed, each country has its own inimitable customs and traditions, and Bindi and Tilak are part of the great history of India, which should never be deleted from memory.