Bindis

ALL ABOUT THE BINDI

A Bindi is a divine disc-shaped dot of vivid color applied in the center of the forehead that is prominently worn in the Indian subcontinent. The original Bindi is made out of vermilion, sandalwood, ash, and turmeric. The Bindi encapsulates natural ingredients and vibrant shades of red. In contemporary times, Bindis are replaced with stickers. Mostly people wear a diamond sticker, replacing our traditional methods. However, there is more to a Bindi. Other than the fact that they are arresting, and people often wear them as an accessory, Bindis have a scientific reason behind wearing them.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND WEARING A BINDI

Since the horse and buggy days, the spot where the gorgeous red Bindi is applied between the eyebrows is considered to be a significant nerve point in the human body. The rishi-muni (sages) back then wrote the Vedas (which are religious texts and scriptures originating from Ancient India). In these they have mentioned the chakras. Seven main chakras run along the center of the body, and if you look at the image, the sixth one from the bottom is called the ‘Ajna Chakra’ which is the third-eye Chakra. While applying a Bindi, the points on the mid-brow region and Ajna-chakra are automatically pressed, which helps in facilitating blood supply to the facial muscles. The Bindi allows us to open our third eye and enables us to look at the world in an unprejudiced way. It also enlivens and energizes the one who wears it. Moreover, maintaining concentration is a Bindi’s fortes. 

Take a look at this picture of international star Selena Gomez rocking a modern-day Bindi!

In other parts of India, a Bindi is known as:

Phot or Phut (literally meaning a small pressing mark) in Assamese.

Tip (means "a pressing") in Bengali

Chandlo (means a “moon shape”) in Gujarati.

Tika in Nepali

Kunkuma or Bottu or Tilaka in Kannada

Kunkoo or Tikali in Marathi

Tikili in Odia

Bindi in Punjabi (meaning long red mark)

Pottu or Kunkumam or Tilakam in Tamil and 

Malayalam

Bottu, Kunkuma, or Tilakam in Telugu

Tyok in Kashmiri

Rangoli

What is the science behind these ravishing designs that grace the floors of homes and temples across India? Rangolis are a traditional art form often made of colored powdered limestone, colored rice, and flower petals. Rangolis embellish homes during Hindu festivals such as Onam, Pongal, Diwali, and loads of other festivals. But, other than that they’re a daily practice in the South of India where rangoli is known as ‘Kolam’ and temples all over India.

THE SCIENCE OF RANGOLIS

However, Rangoli serves a deeper purpose, grounded in scientific reasoning. According to historical convention powdered limestone, rice or flower petals are used for the astounding designs. The limestone in the rangoli has the ability to avert icky insects from entering the household and keeps pests at bay. An interesting thing about making rangolis is that it improves one’s posture. The postures needed to make a rangoli are an exercise for people to align their spines, since making the rangoli forces them to keep their back straight, so that they can create the perfect rangoli.

WHAT THE RANGOLIS SYMBOLISE

The rangoli represents the cheerfulness and positivity of a household, it’s patterns and vibrant colors will surely uplift one’s mood. Rangolis are also made to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck. The rangoli was connected to goddess Lakshmi by our ancestors so that everyone would follow it without fail.

 OUR ANCESTORS WERE FOR SURE THE BRAINY BUNCH

Now that we are nearing the end of this post, I just want to say that our ancestors were quite brainy and resourceful. They took natural materials around them, used them scientifically and made them into traditions followed all over India. A little bit of faith, fondness for the community, the passion for discovery and science is all it took.