In olden times, bindis were worn in the form of powder, vermilion, also known as kumkum, sindhoor, tikka or tilaka. Then it was the liquid tubes in different hues. Apart from the regular round bindi, women started decorating their forehead with different designs. After this came readymade plastic, synthetic and velvet bindis, in all geometrical shapes and unimaginable designs!
When matched with traditional outfits like sarees, salwar kameeez or ghagra cholis, bindis make your dressing complete by enhancing the overall beauty. There are many religions and sects where wearing a bindi is forbidden. But women have gone a step ahead to wear it occasionally to match their traditional attire. Such is the charm of bindis which add that extra sparkle and elegance.
In addition to bindis worn on forehead, the designer ones, specially crafted for body art, are worn to decorate the hands, fore arms, back, waist and around the naval. Nail bindis too have become extremely popular and are used in nail art to enhance the look of the nails.
Bindis have also caught the fancy of Westerners and is popularly used as a body art, similar to tattoos. Bindi manufacturing has grown to be a huge industry in India. With hundreds of soaps on number of TV channels giving priority to the dressing, accessories and make-up of female stars, bindis have taken centre stage. You get to see them in different sizes and exclusive designs, studded with sequins, beads, stones, et al.
Female leads in the TV serials and Bollywood movies have been sporting spectacular bindi designs matching the colour of their attire. The overall look is never complete with out a stunning designer bindi.
From road-side stalls to the ones in super markets, bindis of different hues, shapes and designs have flooded the market today. From Rs 5 to the ones priced in thousands, bindis are available in various materials which are reusable with self-adhesives. Expensive designer bindis are also available in semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals, which are worn during weddings and other special occasions by the rich and the elite. However, one has to be careful while selecting the adhesive-based ones. Cheap bindis made of poor quality adhesive might cause skin allergy. Better go in for a quality product even if it is a little expensive.
Today, bindis are matched with western outfits as well. Drawing thin and intricate designs using an eye-liner is also a craze among youngsters and college-goers. Be it a traditional dress or a modern outfit, you can surely make your own fashion statement with bindis.
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