The "DOT" on the foreheads of Indian women is called a____________?

@AskAlly (3625)
Canada
January 21, 2007 9:52pm CST
I am curious to know what the "dot" is called and what is it's signifigance? I have always wondered this.
2 people like this
4 responses
abhiquest
@abhiquest (579)
• India
22 Jan 07
Bindi, bindiya, or kumkum which Indian Women wear in the center of their forehead has been associated with marriage and feminity, the practice of wearing a bindi is a Vedic tradition that women follow as a conformation to the spirit of womanhood. More than a beauty spot, the mangal tika (bindi) indicates good omen and purity. Today, it is more about mood, occasion and fashion.
3 people like this
margieanneart
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
27 Jan 07
Thank you for explaining that. It is very interesting. Is it with all women in India? Or a sect of women in India?
1 person likes this
abhiquest
@abhiquest (579)
• India
17 Feb 07
Bindi is mainly associated with Hinduism, although other religions originating from India like Jain and Sikh also use it.
darckj
@darckj (885)
• Philippines
22 Jan 07
do you mean the "bindi"? to know more on that, read the answer in this link: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Indian-Culture-2871/red-dots.htm ... you will learn something in there.. hope this one helps..^^
2 people like this
AskAlly
@AskAlly (3625)
• Canada
22 Jan 07
Thanks for your reply and the link. I just did not know what else to call the bindi besides a dot.
lauriefnp
@lauriefnp (5111)
• United States
22 Jan 07
Thanks for the link. It was interesting. I never really knew what the dot (bindi) represented before.
1 person likes this
krislouiebaby
@krislouiebaby (2347)
• Philippines
17 Feb 07
i am so curious too about that, and thanks for posting it here, i learned a lot from the people here who answered and responded your post. more good post from you,,good day
tammyr
@tammyr (5946)
• Etowah, Tennessee
18 Mar 07
I was going to ask this also. I knew what it was called but wanted to know more. thank you for asking and thank you to all who answered. Am I correct to believe that although it is a statement of marriage and believes, it is more of a fashion statement today than other things? I read that somewhere.