<P> A traditional bindi is red or maroon in colour . A pinch of vermilion powder is applied skilfully with a ring - finger to make a perfect red dot . It takes considerable practice to achieve the perfect round shape by hand . A small annular disc aids application for beginners . First, they apply a sticky wax paste through the empty centre of the disc . This is then covered with kumkum or vermilion and then the disc is removed to get a perfect round bindi . Various materials such as lac, sandal,' aguru', mica,' kasturi', kumkum (made of red turmeric) and sindoor colour the dot . Saffron ground together with' kusumba' flower can also work . Traditionally they are green in colour with red dot in the middle . The bindi is no longer restricted in colour or shape . </P> <P> Historically, the ornamental bindi spangle consists of a small piece of lac over which is smeared vermilion, while above it a piece of mica or thin glass is fixed for ornament . Women wore large spangles set in gold with a border of jewels if they could afford it . The bindi was made and sold by lac workers known as Lakhera . In Hinduism, it's part of the Suhāg or lucky trousseau at marriages and is affixed to the girl's forehead on her wedding and thereafter always worn . Unmarried girls optionally wore small ornamental spangles on their foreheads . A widow was not allowed to wear bindi or any ornamentation associated with married women . In modern times, self - adhesive bindis are available in various materials, usually made of felt or thin metal and adhesive on the other side . These are simple to apply, disposable substitutes for older lac tikli bindis . Sticker bindis come in many colours, designs, materials, and sizes . </P> <P> There are different regional variations of the bindi . In Maharashtra a large crescent moon shaped bindi is worn with a smaller black dot underneath or above, associated with Chandrabindu and Bindu chakra represented by crescent moon, they are commonly known as Chandrakor in this region, outside Maharashtra they are popularly known as Marathi bindi . In Bengal region a large round red bindi is worn, brides in this region are often decorated with Alpana design on forehead and cheeks, along with bindi . In southern India a smaller red bindi is worn with a white tilak at the bottom, another common type is a red tilak shaped bindi . In Rajasthan the bindi is often worn round, long tilak shaped bindi are also common, as well as the crescent moon on some occasions . Decorative bindis have become popular among women in South Asia, regardless of religious background . Bindis are staple and symbolic for women in the Indian subcontinent . </P> <P> 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 commitment to long - life and well - being of their husbands . During all Hindu marriage ceremonies, the groom applies sindoor in the part in the bride's hair . </P>

What does a dot on a forehead mean