Sindur

Red powder paint Sindur

Sindur (Skt. सिन्दूर, sindūra IAST) is a red powder used in Hinduism.

The traditional Sindur is made from lead oxide , known as lead minium , or from cinnabar .

Sindur is traditionally applied at the beginning or along the entire parting in the women's hairstyle, as well as in the form of a point on the forehead. Sindur is the hallmark of married women in Hinduism. Lonely women have a dot on the forehead of various colors ( bindi ), but do not apply the Sindur to their parting. Widows in Hinduism also do not, thereby expressing that their husbands have already died.

Signing bride with a syndrome at a wedding ceremony

In the Hindu tradition, the practice of using Sindur by married women is explained through various myths. So, red is considered the color of power and strength, and therefore the Sindur expresses the female energy of Sati and Parvati . Sati is the wife's ideal in Hinduism because of the sacrifices she makes to protect the honor of her husband. The goddess Parvati bestows lifelong happiness on married women who put a sindur on a parting in their hair. In addition, it is believed that the applied syndrome helps to avoid problems with wrinkles and in general with the skin, and it also protects against malicious intent ^[1] .

Women get their first experience with a syndrome during their wedding ceremony. The groom invites all guests to come and bless his bride. When everyone gathers, under the words of blessing, he performs Sinduradana , that is, applies the Sindur to the head of his bride. Sometimes this ceremony is called " Sumangali ." Sinduradana is a hallmark of modern weddings in India ^[2] .

This powder is also used to identify the status of brides and wives. Sometimes, especially in popular culture, the Sindur is used to decorate roadside stones (especially those dedicated to Ganesha ), doors and ritual objects.

Muslim women in India also apply sindur on their hairstyles to indicate their marriage status.