Bindis – Fashion Statements
July 11, 2008
An ancient civilisation, India is well-known for its distinct cultural patterns that are woven so intricately into the very fabric of its socio-religious existence, defying all attempts to merge anonymously with the rest of the world. It wasn’t so long ago that the jean-generation thumbed their nose at ethnic traditions. However, today things have changed as typically Indian Bichhus (toe-rings), Payals (anklets) and even the nose stud and nose ring are being worn as fashion accessories with completely western attire. And, in a crushing blow to those who called the Bindi, a body dot in contempt, it has begun to be worn, rather incongruously, even with jeans, emerging as a more definite and enduring part of our inheritance.
The colourful bindi worn in the centre of the forehead, right above the meeting point of the eyebrows identifies many an Indian woman. From the traditional blood red bindi to those that match their outfits, the bindi stands out markedly outside India as an alien culture. Certain misguided and mis-informed American youth began to identify the bindi as an Asian symbol. Enraged by the success story of emigrant Asians they grouped themselves together as the Dot Busters, their main aim being to bust the race that wears dots.
There is evidence that shows bindis have been in existence in India since the 4th century. It was during the era of the Mahabharata that it was transformed from being a mere beauty accessory to that of a symbol of a woman’s wedded state, just one of the several regressive steps that relegated the Hindu woman to a secondary status. It was proclaimed that all Hindu girls and women should wear a bindi and a bare forehead was held to be a sign of widowhood.
Traditionally, married women only work the kumkum powder which was always red in colour. Today, from kumkum to the now popular sticker, bindi has travelled a long way. Made of velvet, sticker bindis come in all colours, sizes and shapes, from stars, half-moons, clovers, hearts, tears, leaves and are even snake shaped. There are also multi-coloured, layered bindis in various designs, or one can experiment by using different bindis to create one beautiful bindi.
The latest bindis to hit the market are pearl studded, stone and diamond embedded, enamel encrusted and tinselled sticker bindis priced anywhere from Rs.50/- to Rs.75/- for a 8 to 10 bindi packet. They come with special glue that allows one to re-use these bindis, if they lose their sticking capacity. One can also find semi-precious kundan and meenakari gold plated bindis that can be found in jewellery shops and are priced anywhere from between Rs.500/- and Rs.2000/-.
As a traditional symbol of auspiciousness, as well as, an important fashion accessory, the bindi is here to stay, embellishing the foreheads of Indian women and even Western women e.g. a Gwen Stefani or a Madonna, in the present and in the future.
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