In South Asia, bindis have a rich, complex history. Traditionally, married Hindu women have worn it to proclaim their marital status. According to Hindu beliefs, the forehead is considered the third eye and it keeps bad luck away. In Yoga, it's a central focus point for meditation.

What does a bindi symbolize?

Traditionally worn as a red dot on the forehead, the bindi has Hindu beginnings often associated with religious purposes or a woman's marital status. Red bindis symbolize marriage, so when women were widowed, they would often change their bindi color to black.

What is a bindi and why is it worn?

The bindi can symbolize many aspects of the Hindu culture, but from the beginning it has always been a red dot worn on the forehead, most commonly to represent a married woman. The bindi is also said to be the third eye in Hindu religion, and it can be used to ward off bad luck.