Look stunning with online bindis for that perfect look

An Indian woman anywhere in the world can be identified by her ‘bindi’. Undoubtedly traditional in concept, the bindi has been an established form of body art, way before the ‘hot and happening’ tattoo was born! There is a spot on the forehead between the two eyebrows that counts as an important nerve point in the human body, and it is here that the ornamental mark takes its pride of place. The bindi could be large or small, but it is usually red and round, carrying different names in different parts of India – tika, pottu, sindoor, tilak, tilakam, and kumkum.
The bindi is more popular in Southern India than in the North. Unmarried south Indian girls wear a bindi as a beauty spot while married women in Northern India wear it as a sign of marriage. In fact, the red spot symbolizes the sanctity of marriage and grants a certain distinction to the wearer. When the bedecked and bejeweled Hindu bride steps into her in-laws home for the first time, every part of her…from her mehndi applied palms to her toe-ringed feet seems auspicious. Her dazzling red bindi is her crowning glory, ushering in good fortunes for her new home and making her the custodian of its welfare for all times to come.

A spot of energy.
Every time we think hard or concentrate furiously on something, what do we do? Simple. We knit our brows and gather all our wisdom at the centre point. This is the sixth chakra – the seat of ‘agna’ meaning command. Masters of tantra and the occult believe that when we meditate, our body releases potent energy which rises from the base of the spine towards the head. The centre point of the forehead is the probable outlet for this energy. Wearing a red ‘kumkum’ at that spot locks the potent strength within us and improves our powers of concentration – thus ushering in auspicious times for us and our loved ones.

Perfecting the perfect round.
Some do it in a jiffy, others take great pains – whatever your effort, the perfect round shape on the forehead is a just reward! A typical bindi is made of a pinch of red or maroon vermilion powder applied with an expert fingertip. But not everybody can get it right without aids like small circular discs or a hollow pie coin. A sticky wax paste is applied on the empty space in the disc. This is covered with kumkum and applied with force on the forcehead. Once the disc is removed, what you get is the perfect bindi. Not only is the process of applying it special, equally exotic are the ingredients. Sandal, ‘aguru’,’kasturi’, kumkum and ‘sindoor’ are commonly used, but if you prefer the natural bindi – go in for a mixture of saffron and kusumba flower.
Just a little tip before you wear the bindi – take care to see that the colour and shape suit your face. Select from amongst powder, cream or liquid forms for convenience. For an absolutely stunning effect, keep the lipstick and bindi of different shades. And you can be sure bindiya chamkegi!

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Astrology Tips: Number Yourself

What’s in a number? Numerologists would say it is the solution to every problem, the window to every character. Numbers are integral to the cosmic plan and their study can say much for your abilities and the future. Here’s presenting a roadmap to life and happiness with the numerical route…and the gemstones that could make a difference!

Number One for the winners!
Those born on the 1st of the month are ruled by the sun. They are honest of character and diligent by nature, with intelligence and enthusiasm for good measure. They shine in every field, be it bureaucracy or business, the defence forces or politics. The Number Ones have the Midas Touch!
Their gemstone is ruby. Topaz and golden topaz bring health and success too.

Number Two for the upwardly mobile!
Those born on the 2nd of the month are Moon-ruled and meant for a life of riches. As orators, lawyers, dramatists and professionals in other creative areas, they prove successful. They do well in businesses relating to textiles, dairy products and beverages.
High level of confidence and mind control can help them achieve their goals. Adventure and excitement mark the twists and turns of their life.
Pearls are for them. Round, smooth and tough pearls are ideally recommended.

Number Three are led by research!
Those with birthdays on the 3rd of the month are sharp, inquisitive and philosophical. They are good teachers and top government officials. They have a knack for research and can become good legal experts or ambassadors. While acting, astrology and sales are inherent to their persona, they may work equally well in the police force.
Their ruling stone is amethyst. It relieves depression and has a positive influence. Topaz and yellow sapphire are also favorable for Number Three.

Number Four start revolutions!
They are radical thinkers. Their oratorical and writing skills are hard to beat, and esoteric activities like astrology, medicine, philosophy, music and dance attract them. They could get into painting, engineering, tailoring, journalism and construction and do well in any of these fields.
A gomed is the perfect wear for people born on the fourth since it brings good health, wealth and peace of mind. Stones with light blue sheen bring luck and professional success.

Number Five strike new paths!
Innovation and fresh approach suit those born on the 5th of the month. They excel in business. Running a travel agency or providing consultancy services suits them. People with this birth date are born ambassadors and would do well in foreign services. Other viable options are banking, insurance and telecom sectors.
If you are a hi-fiver, wear an emerald. Diamonds and zircons can be matched too.

Number Six have a creative bent!
People born on the 6th of the month are good in the fine arts like films, theatre, production or modeling. They gain prosperity from dealing in perfumes, costly silks, gems, cosmetics and expensive gadgets. Their success spans areas like hotels, floriculture, jewellery and dress designing.
When such people need a strong and clear mind, they can turn to diamonds and turquoise for favorable results.

Number Seven are born to fame!
Religion, chemical research, films, fine arts and literature are just perfect for those born on the 7th of the month. If they are interested in business, they should go in for facilities in rubber, plastic and tyre tubes. As transporters or traders, they are poised for wealth.
Two stones in combination will help. The cat’s eye will bring good luck and courage while moonstone ushers good fortune.

Number Eight stay on top of the ladder!
They are good administrators and occupy top positions in their organizations. Saturn is favourable to them, and empowers them to be rulers. They can be good policy makers, teachers and musicians too. Businessmen will do well in mining, coal and timber, wool.
For them, the Neelam ensures happiness and prosperity.

Number Nine enjoy challenges!
They enjoy engineering things. That’s why; those born on the 9th day of the month succeed in civil construction, iron & steel business, and allied industries. Challenges bring out the best in them, so becoming a doctor, foreign diplomat, astrologer or part of the armed forces makes sense.
Wearing a coral can lead to physical well-being and increase the lifespan of Number Nines.
What are you waiting for? Calculate your number and discover what life holds for you!

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Colour me Red

What’s the fashion forecast for the season? What’s the color of Valentine and the roses you gift your loved one? What’s the one hue that makes the strongest men go weak in the knees? Mama Mia, you’re in the red!

How many reds do you have in your wardrobe? Actually, it’s the one solution to all your problems of what to wear – to work, to a movie, to the party, to a wedding, or even to the Oscars! It makes a holiday sunnier and a working day lighter and we strongly recommend a red shirt to office on Monday to help you happily tide through the week. On Wednesdays, it makes you feel as if the weekend is just round the corner. As Friday attire, it’s almost a bugle call for end of battle. And of course, red for the weekend tells the world you’ve arrived to conquer. Add splashes or dashes or sashes of red to whatever you wear to the party…and you’ll be voted Ms Hot Stuff for sure.

Red is so versatile, it goes with anything. Team a red blouse with a smart beige coat and trouser for a oh-so-formal look. A black and red off-shoulder kurta with a touch of sequins can make you the cynosure of all eyes. If you like to jazz up your accessories, step out with a red bag, or red high heels on your feet. A pair of rose-tinted sunglasses is not a bad idea either. Just a red belt or a red scarf can liven up dull attire.

So what are you waiting for? Red is sinfully irresistible, and a must-have.

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