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Outside South Asia, bindis may be worn by women of Indian origin. Western women who have converted to Hinduism, such as in the Hare Krishnas, may also wear bindis. Sometimes they are worn as a style statement. International celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Shakira, Madonna, Avril Lavigne, Nina Hagen, Nelly Furtado, and Shania Twain have been seen wearing bindis. A bindi can be called: Pottu in Tamil and Malayalam, Tilak in Hindi, Bottu or Tilakam (in Telugu), Bottu or Tilaka (in Kannada), Teep (meaning "a pressing") (in Bengali), Nande is a term erroneously used to describe the bindi in Malaysia. It may contain pejorative connotations although not in most cases. Sometimes the terms sindoor, kumkum, or kasturi are used, by reference to the material used to make the mark.
The area between the eyebrows (where the bindi is placed) is said to be the sixth chakra, ajna, the seat of "concealed wisdom". According to followers of Tantrism, this chakra is the exit point for kundalini energy. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. It is also said to protect against demons or bad luck. 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 a symbol of their married status. During North Indian marriage ceremonies, the groom applies sindoor on the parting in the bride's hair. Ancient Chinese women wore similar marks (for purely decorative purposes) since the second century, which became popular during the Tang Dynasty.
In modern times, the bindi has become a decorative item and is worn by unmarried as well as non-Hindu women, in India, Bangladesh and other countries of South Asia. It is no longer restricted in colour or shape. Self-adhesive bindis (also known as sticker bindis) are available. They are made of felt or thin metal, and come with an adhesive on one side. These are simple to apply, disposable substitutes for older tilak bindis. Sticker bindis come in many colors, designs, materials, and sizes. Fancy sticker bindis may be decorated with sequins, glass beads, or rhinestones for extra dazzle.
