What is Sindoor? A peek into its history & significance in Hindu culture

DH Web Desk

The term sindoor refers to the Hindi word for vermillion, which women begin applying to their foreheads after their marriage. It plays a central role in marriage, marking a woman as a married individual.

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The red color of sindoor is not just symbolic of love and passion but also represents power, fertility, and the protection of the family.

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By wearing sindoor, a woman declares her role as a wife and her dedication to her marriage and family life.

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Over time, the tradition spread across all layers of society, becoming a common practice among Hindu women.

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This centuries-old tradition of applying the red powder is not only cultural but also holds spiritual and medicinal significance.

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In addition to red, sindoor also comes in orange-red in many customs. The orange variant is commonly applied in the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar regions.

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While the exact origin of the tradition remains unknown, archaeological discoveries in India have unearthed several women figures with red-painted partings that date back 5,000 years.

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According to Ayurvedic traditions, red 'sindoor' is thought to have health benefits for women. Sindoor is thought to improve blood circulation and promote hormonal balance.

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Sindoor is linked to the third eye chakra (Agya Chakra), which governs intuition and spiritual vision. Applying it to the forehead is believed to activate this chakra, boosting spiritual awareness and inner strength.

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