A bindi is a forehead decoration worn in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Traditionally it is a dot of red color applied in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrows, but it can also consist of a sign or piece of jewellery worn at this location.

It is also loosely known as 'tika', 'pottu', 'sindoor', 'tilak', 'tilakam', and 'kumkum'

Traditionally, married women wear a red bindi. Nowadays, bindis are also worn by women who are not married, children, and by women who are not Hindu. The Hindus believe that a red bindi should be worn by women who are married and a black bindi is worn by single girls. A black bindi is also believed to keep the evil spirits away.

Outside South Asia, bindis may be worn by women of Indian origin. Western women who have converted to Hinduism, such as Hare Krishnas, may also wear bindis. Sometimes they are worn as a style statement.

A Hot Spot!
The area between the eyebrows, the sixth chakra known as the 'agna' meaning 'command', is the seat of concealed wisdom. It is the centre point wherein all experience is gathered in total concentration. The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolising auspiciousness and good fortune.

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.

These come in a pack of 30 self-adhesive Bindis - perfect for your dress up.