Throughout my childhood, I was mesmerised by my moms' Bindi collection. The excitement of wearing such a small, fascinating accessory was something I desperately looked forward to whilst growing up.

I saw the bindi as a symbol of my culture and heritage.

However, I never completely understood why people wore it. I was inquisitive to know if the bindi was more than just a dot?

In order to gain more insight on different perspectives of the bindi, I decided to get creative. These lovely talented artists have illustrated their viewpoint within their work. Below is a collage portraying the bindi in different ways.  (Scroll to the end of blog to see each individuals art work in more detail as well as a short of statement on what the bindi means to them)

Many people believe we possess three eyes. We have two eyes that allow us to visualise the world and a third eye placed at the centre of our forehead.

The third eye opens a doorway to spiritual enlightenment, by allowing us to connect with God and the universe. It reminds us to keep God at the centre of our thoughts and to think beyond what we can visually see.
In order to recognise our third eye, we need to be in a state of mind, deeply connected to our consciousness.

Meditating through yoga is a great way to focus on our inner selves. Particularly focusing on 'Chakras' - which are seven focus points in the centre of the body that have concentrated energy.

The third eye is the 'sixth chakra' and allows you to control and focus on your thoughts.

Individuals will wear the Bindi whilst meditating or praying as it will enable all energy to be maintained within the body and will allow us to connect with the universe - the central point.
Overtime bindi trends within marriage have changed drastically.

I remember the popular trend of wearing bindis from the centre of the forehead to the end of the eyebrow (comment if that was you). A funny but relatable incident some of us can relate to, is hugging a bride and eventually realising that one of their bindis has stuck on to your clothing (it was either their bindi or a false eyelash).

My favourite trend was the traditional painted red/and white dots. Even today I believe this is the most elegant and stunning look on a bride.

The bindi signifies good luck on a bride, allowing her to bring good fortune and prosperity on to her husband and in-laws.

However, I feel like many brides are unaware of this meaning. This makes me wonder if we are losing the true meaning behind the bindi.

If we are losing the Bindis significance to a statement of fashion.


Despite the bindi having an important association with culture, marriage and spirituality, the accessory has become to be recognised as a fashion trend worn by celebrities and people at festivals.

The Bindi has evolved to become a fashion statement through the different designs, shapes and colours and they way its worn.

It is lovely to see how many people love the bindi but its also crazy to see the lack of knowledge on its significance and importance.

Therefore, ladies it is our job to educate colleagues, children and ourselves on the significance of the bindi.

The bindi is a beautiful accessory however, it becomes more enchanting from its associations because...

                                      the bindi is more than just a dot.

I was super lucky to collaborate with different artists on their interpretations on the Bindi. My entire post is beautifully captured through these illustrations by these talented artists. Please check it out below!

By Suki @Hooeydooey This sketch signifies the connectedness of culture and spirituality that the bindi represents. For myself, this tiny yet bold and bright accessory is a symbol of celebration, culture and connectivity.  It is a reminder that we are deeply spiritual beings with our own spiritual outlet, our sixth chakra known as the ‘ajna’, our invisible third eye that connect us to a deeper wisdom and understanding that exists within us. One that allows us to have a greater perception of ourselves and the world, unattached to ego.  It also acts as a symbol of our cultural heritage. A culture that is intriguing and exciting across the board - one that is deeply connected to spirituality, celebration, lack of egotism, unity, karma, kindness, family, respect and so much more.  Who would have thought, that a tiny little accessory could have such a heavy-weighted meaning and rich history behind it?

By Daya Bhatta @dayaillustrations

By Riya Nagendra @notyourcatbutt  "There are aspects of my culture that I am very attached to, mostly things that I can't shake from who I am as a person. The bindhi (or 'pottu', as we call it in Tamil) isn't one of those. The only time I wear it is when I dress up for festivals, weddings or events like that - even then, I only wear it because that's how my mother has always told me to dress up, and it's become an unshakeable habit; wearing a sari doesn't feel complete without wearing a pottu. There are times when I consider wearing the pottu merely as an accessory with my regular, everyday clothes, but it doesn't feel right. I feel like I'm portraying myself as someone who is very close to their culture, but that's definitely not me. Not in that way, at least - I don't feel as close to the symbol or the cultural significance of the pottu as I do to the reality of the little roadside shops in Chennai that display packets upon  packets of stick-on pottus, in a variety of sizes and colours, ready to be bought by people like me. It's a personal block, something that I understand is ridiculous theoretically, but it's a feeling I've had that I never thought to put into words, or turn into art, till now."

Bonita Choudhari @ronitachoudhuriart She is to be like the moon. Fair and smooth.  Her wedding preparations are ready, before she ever is.  Sindoor eagerly pressed into fingertips.  To be pulled across a forehead. Across whoever she may be.  She may end up broken, halved, unfulfilled, but the red stain lingers. To break free means to leave it all behind. But that is a life of quiet guilt. Of smashing what always was.  Her wedding having been arranged at the sound of her first breath.

Moheeni Paul @Moheenipauldesigns The Bindi signifies... a new chapter in marriage. the centre point for all of our senses. the third eye. a cultural accessory. As a strong bold woman, we control our senses and we control our fears. The Bindi is a very small symbol, which sometimes goes unnoticed amongst the beauty and colourful costumes of a woman. It may be small but it represents so much!  She focuses on the third eye to keep her measured. She holds the evil eye in the palm of her hands because she has the POWER to be in control!

@Amkaindia

Bindi is not only part her cosmetic routine but her power because it symbolises that she finally got up and gathered the courage to show her freckled face and decorated it with a bindi.