History Of Bindi

The bindi was used in medieval times as well. In earlier times, wearing Bindi or Tika was known as Visesakachhedya. It was done by using leaves of different shapes and then painting the forehead with them. The other names for these bindi using leaves were Patrachhedya, Patralekha or Patrabhanga. Bindi was also used as a way to worship one’s intellect. So, it was worn by both men and women. It was also a part of the wedding ceremony where the groom applied a drop of his blood between his brides’ eyes to secure their wedding.

Purpose Of Wearing A Bindi

The bindi is worn at the center of the forehead and between the eyebrows. That is the place known for the hidden wisdom. It is also the place for the third eye. It is believed that the bindi can hold on to strength and energy of the wearer. There are various beliefs and myths surrounding the red colored bindi. Some say red represents strength or power while others believe that the color red symbolizes love and so on. It also symbolizes the marital status of a woman. It symbolizes power and energy. It is believed to protect a woman and her husband. It can be worn by women of different religion. However, according to the Islamic religion, wearing a bindi is not permitted. It resembles Hindu tradition or symbols. Bindi is also worn as a fashion symbol. Instead of using the traditional red dot, different varieties of dots or forms are used as bindi.

Different Names For Bindi

As bindi is being worn by different people across the globe, it has various names. In India, it has 12 different names. The Bengalis calls it Tip, Phot in Assamese, Chandlo in Gujarati, Tilo in Konkani, Tilak in Hindi, kunkuma in Kannada, Kunkoo in Marathi, Bindi in Punjabi, Pottu in Tamil and Malayalam, Bottu in Telugu, and the list continues. In Nepal the bindi is known as Tika.

Now, we have come to know what a bindi is and the significance of why it is worn. The popular tradition and history behind the bindi have given it a significant importance. It is now considered as an important accessory. A single bindi can enhance the beauty of a person as well as the outfit one is wearing. It has gained so much popularity that designers are creating new designs of bindi. There are hundred different ways to wear a bindi. As it is now worn by people across the world, different styles of sporting bindi have emerged. People are experimenting with the colors, textures, shapes, sizes and raw materials to make lovely bindi designs. The bindi is worn in different shapes and sizes across the world. The way and the style to wear a bindi mostly depends upon the region. Out of the hundred or more ways of wearing a bindi, let us now get an insight on the top 19 bindi designs, which are popular and traditional ways of wearing a bindi.

1. The Traditional Red Bindi/ Bengali Bindi Design

This style or design is the most commonly used way of wearing a bindi. It is worn at the center of the forehead and between the eyebrows. As the name suggests, it is red in color and smaller in size. It can be made by using vermilion. Sticker bindis are commonly used now- a-days. These are also very much used by the married women.

2. Tilak (Tika) Design

The Tilak or the Tika finds its place in the second position in the top 19 bindi designs. It is worn on the forehead, especially by the men. Tilak or Tika symbolizes good luck. And, it is generally worn when men go out for doing some important work so that they succeed in their mission. In India, Tilak finds a prominent place in the groom’s get up. Going back to history, Tilak was used prominently when the kings went for war.

3. The Long Line Bindi

This bindi is worn in the center, but in a long line. This bindi looks good with people having wide forehead and oval face. The long line helps in adding length to your face. This long line can be drawn using a black liner or a black Kajal pencil. It can also be decorated with glitters.

4. Little Black Circle Bindi Design

This is undoubtedly the easiest and the cutest design for bindi. It is the easiest way to wear. Like all other bindis, it is worn in the center of the forehead as a small dot. This black dot can be made using a black liner or a Kajal. This design is worn especially in South India. It looks good with traditional South Indian dresses. It adorns the forehead of the young South Indian girls.

5. Marathi Bindi Design

As the name suggests, this bindi originated in the state of Maharashtra, in India. It is worn in the center of the forehead. Its shape represents an upside down, semi-curved moon. It is popular among the Marathi women, especially those living in the coastal areas.

6. Floral Bindi Design

This bindi design is made in floral patterns. This represents the shapes of the flowers and leaves. This bindi design can be made either by stones or by color.

7. Mang Tika Bindi Design

This bindi is worn on the upper part of the forehead. It can be both simple or jeweled, and can be matched with your traditional attire. This bindi is a good option if you want to sport a mang tika but don’t have one.

8. Stone Bindi Design

This bindi design is created by using stones of different colors. The expensive variant of this bindi design uses Swarovski. It is undoubtedly a sticker bindi. It goes very well with the embroidered dresses.

9. Paisley Bindi Design

The Paisley design originated in Persia. This design resembles a vegetable in a droplet form. Hence, the bindi is also in a droplet form of longer shape.

10. Layered Bindi Design

As the name suggests, this bindi design is made by using two to three bindis. The bindis are placed in such a way that it looks like a layer. This bindi design is very simple to make yet is very stylish. The layers can also be made using bindis of different colors.

11. Bridal (Wedding) Bindi Design

These bindi designs are unique designs worn by the brides on their wedding day. They are normally stone and glitter studded. These bindis complement the outfit worn by the brides.

12. Modern Bindi Design

This bindi design is inspired by contemporary styling. It is getting popular now-a-days as television personalities are wearing them. They are a mixture of layered and stone bindi. These designs are generally elongated.

13. Vermillion Bindi Design

It is the most common bindi design found in India. It is a tradition for married woman in India to put vermillion in the forehead. They put in the form of bindi. It can be small or big in shape. Sometimes, the color yellow is also used with this red bindi. The color yellow comes from turmeric. This combination of red and yellow symbolizes goodwill and good fortune. It is applied to women when they leave for some work. So, that they have good luck and success. It is the cheapest design of bindi available.

14. Fancy Bindi Design

These are also called Designer Bindi. These bindi designs come in various shapes and colors. They can be long and small in size. These bindis are decorated with stones, pearls, beads and diamonds. These bindis are costly as lot of stones and glitters are used.

15. Star Bindi Design

It is another common bindi design which is becoming popular. The bindi design is in the form of a star. It can be decorated with stones, glitters or can be kept simple.

16. Arrow Bindi Design

This bindi design became popular after television personalities started sporting them. This bindi design is in the form of an arrow which is pointed downwards. This design can be best made using a black liner or black color. The modified design of the arrow bindi can be the anchor shaped bindi.

17. Snake Or Wavy Bindi Design

This bindi design is a unique one. It was generally worn by female snake charmers in India. Now, it has become a popular design. It is in the form of curve or waves.

18. Mirror Bindi Design

These bindi designs are made using small mirrors. These small mirrors are cut into different shapes and then decorated with stones or beads. These bindis go very well with casual outfits.

19. Crescent Bindi Design

This bindi design has taken its shape from the crescent shape of the moon. This design can be worn in different styles. It can be worn sideways, upside down, left or right. This list contains the top 19 bindi designs worn across the world. However, the list is endless. The bindi is one of the most popular forms of jewelry which can be widely experimented with. The choice of bindi design and style depends on you! There are no rules when it comes to bindis – except the rule of looking beautiful!

Modern Use Of Bindi

The use of bindi today has seen a significant change. It is now worn by people across the globe. It is no longer limited to age, marital status, religion, and gender. It has now become a prominent fashion statement. So, it now comes in various colors, shapes, and designs. The most convenient bindi available are sticker bindis. These are readymade bindis, which have gum and just need to be stuck to the forehead. The decorations on the bindi are done using beads, stones, glitters, pearls, sequins, etc. The popularity of bindi is now widespread. It is no longer confined to South Asia. International figures like Selena Gomez, Madonna are using bindi as a fashion statement. The use of bindi is no longer limited to the forehead. It can now be worn in different ways in different body parts. It can also be worn as a Tattoo. What type of bindi suits a round face? Bindis with a vertical shape best suit a round face as they balance the rounder face shape. Avoid big rounded bindis. Does bindi make you look beautiful? Yes. Bindis are not just limited to the traditional red dot – they come in different colors, sizes, and shapes. You can elevate your inconspicuous forehead with a simple bindi. Is it disrespectful to wear a bindi? Depends on the context. Although bindis can be used as a fashion statement, it’s important to remember that it is also a powerful symbol of Asian culture. Make sure you don’t cross the line into cultural appropriation. Can we wear bindi on jeans? Yes. Whether you are choosing dainty, colorful bindis or one that complements your look and elevates your outfit, you have many options. What is the English word for bindi? Bindi has no English equivalent. You refer to it as bindi or by its description.