Just uncovered my foreign coin collection, in which there was unobtrusively tucked this packet of Bhoomi bindis.
Far fewer people that wonder about it have actually asked me why Indian women wear bindis.
To which I give one of three answers, depending on my mood:
a) As a symbol of deep, pious faith.
b) To show you’re married.
c) Because it’s ‘in,’ like goomy bracelets and jelly shoes.
My mother always said wearing a bindi was just a way of expressing yourself, like wearing makeup or jewelry in fun, interesting ways.
You know what? Writing about bindis this much makes me want to put one on.
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When I get out the sylvaar kameez or sari for the occasional Indian wedding or bhangra party, I always hem and haw about affixing a bindi on my forehead as the final touch.
But not these kinds. These multicolored, overstyled ones are not my kind of bindi.
I prefer the more modest small, simple black dot.
I bought a packet of bindis in Southall Market and use them as markers in my journal.
Maisie
Southall! Yes!
Best samosas ever at… “Rita’s,” I think it was? I hope that spot is still there.
I learned two interesting things about bindis on June 28:
1. Rich people sometimes wear diamond ones.
2. Sandalwood ones are supposed to “give coolness” and keep your temper cool, too.
Yup… Ritas is still there and the samosas are wicked. Right about now the mango season is in full swing and Alphonso mangoes are the smallest and sweetest I’ve ever eaten.
Yesterday I had a small portion of a friend’s mango quesadillas. They were called mangodillas.
Diamond bindis? It seems so unusual to me that bindis have become such a fashion statement.
I think more women should wear bindis especially if there’re beautiful, they are unique and has some cultural significance.
I found this old picture in which I’m wearing a bindi.
I like it.
Makes me kind of feel like I’m in disguise.
My brother married a woman from Pune and they are living in the USA now. She prefers the bright, colorful ones and often wears them.