Bindi

A bindi (from Sanskrit bindu, meaning "a drop, small particle, dot") is a forehead decoration worn in South Asia (particularly India) 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 jewelry worn at this location. Sometimes the terms sindoor, kumkum, or kasturi are used by reference to the material used to make the mark.

The area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth chakra, ajna, the seat of "concealed wisdom". According to followers of Tantrism, this chakra is the exit point for kundalini energy. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. It is also said to protect against demons or bad luck.

In addition to the bindi, in India, a vermilion mark in the parting of the hair just above the forehead is worn by married women as a symbol of their married status. During North Indian marriage ceremonies, the groom applies sindoor on the parting in the bride's hair. Ancient Chinese women wore similar marks (for purely decorative purposes) since the second century, which became popular during the Tang Dynasty.

There are no rigid rules concerning dress, however there are some traditional practices which may vary from region to region in the Indian Subcontinent. The traditional Hindu dress for women is a Sari or a Shalwar-Kameez. It is about personal choice and expression, some may adopt a western style of dress for work. The Hindu women prefer to wear a saree or a salwar kameez for any religious functions at home or outside. For example, during the various festivals celebrated in India like Diwali, Karwa Chauth, Durga Puja, Pongal, Bihu, Baisakhi, Dandiya, Ganesh Festival, we see Indian women wearing their traditional dress.