Many women in India are seen with a dot on
their forehead. The dot has some religious significance but today it has become
more of a fashion statement. Sticker type dots are available in fancy designs.
They stick it on in the morning and remove it at night. There is also a
practical reason for putting a dot on the forehead. Women in India are shy and
do not want men looking directly into their eyes. The dot distracts men. They
tend to focus on the dot instead of looking into their eyes.
Men in India do not usually put a dot on
their forehead. Sometimes they put a mark on their forehead after visiting a
temple. It is part of a religious ritual. Those who are seen with it every day
are religious people who are involved with temple activities or people who
visit the temple every day. Some shady characters can also be seen with it.