BINDI BINGE: (From top) Model Priyanka Pal sports a motif on her shoulder; a baajubandh on her upper arm; a navel pattern; bridal bindi body art by Jasmine Chanchani. Pictures by Pabitra Das

From inspiring lyricists to compose classic melodies like Teri bindiya re and Bindiya chamkegi, to flagging of innovations in K-serials (the Ramola Sikand of Kaahin Kissii Roz kinds), bindis are much more than just a beauty accessory.

And what was once a red dot on a woman’s forehead symbolising shakti, has undergone several innovations through the decades. The latest experiment ? an entry into the world of body art.

Yes, move over tattoos and body painting, for, bindi body art is the new thing on the beauty block.

Bindi body art is essentially a temporary form. From contemporary motifs that are in to the more traditional designs, you can fashion bindis in numerous styles and patterns.

Stones, sequins, beads, glitters and spiral golden wires are the ingredients that make up these elaborate bindis. For a compact effect, the bindis are pasted on a semi-hard transparent plastic base.

“When I started dabbling in bindis, the idea was to make them more than plain velvet ones in ordinary shapes. Then as body art came in, bindis took a whole new dimension. Today, body art bindis are fast catching on,” says Jasmine Chanchani, who has been specialising in this form of art for almost 15 years now.

Jasmine, who retails from her residence at 2/A, Ronaldshay Road in Alipore, also uses onyx, pearls, garnets, rubies and emeralds for the bindis that are further decorated with gold-plated silver.

The bindi tattoos can be pasted with a special gum that is available at most cosmetic stores. These can be reused a few times if you handle them well and preserve them carefully.

Jasmine gives model Priyanka Pal a bindi makeover, for GoodLife.

Bridal beauty

For most Bengali brides, the wedding makeover is quite incomplete without the artistic sandalwood paste pattern on the forehead.

Jasmine recommends replacing this traditional make-up with a splash of bindis on the forehead.

For this, a longish or even broad circular ornate bindi is placed between the brows. Then, following the shape of the brows a line of pretty decorative bindis are placed in close succession.

While the simple ones are in one single line, the more elaborate ones have additions like dew-shaped or pyramid-shaped bindis strung alternately.

While deciding on your bridal bindi pattern, there are certain essentials that you need to keep in mind.

“Those with a broad forehead can go for elaborate designs, complete with a neat bindi maangtika. However, if you have a thin forehead it is always advisable to go for sleeker designs,” says Jasmine.

The other obvious thing to watch out for is the colour co-ordination with your bridal attire. “The stones or sequins used in the bindi should preferably follow the same colour story as the outfit,” points out Jasmine.

While solid hues of pink, red, orange and yellow rule the wedding evening, for the reception you can always go for sober shades like peach and cream.

Apart from the forehead, the other zone the bindis can adorn on D-day is your upper arm. “If you are wearing a short-sleeved blouse, then a stick-on bindi tattoo can be used to form a baajubandh,” says Jasmine.

This can be done with a nice compilation of bindis in an inverted pyramid shape in the middle, while a few lines of sequins can be used to cover the whole width of the arm.

It’s almost a must for the bride to flaunt real ornaments on her big day, but her friends can always opt for bindi jewellery. Add funk to your traditional garb by replacing those regular neckpieces or nosepins with bindi ones. In detailing and finish, they are no less than your chokers and chains.

“The baajubandh and neckpieces are easy to handle. The other advantage is you can always have a greater variety and mix and match them according to your outfit or the occasion,” says Jasmine.

Party point

Party dressing is no longer just about minis and cocktail dresses. Be it sensual crepes and chiffons, or ethnic straight skirts, the desi look is back with a bang.

If you are in a sari, team it with a noodle strap, backless choli or halter-neck.Complete the sensuous look with a striking bindi tattoo just below your shoulders.

“For parties, simple and smart is the mantra. Colours like turquoise, purple and pale pink win maximum votes,” claims Jasmine.

Butterflies, geometric patterns and abstract designs are the hit motifs for party bindi tattoos.

If you are daring enough and have a body to show off, a bindi tattoo near the navel can be a very hot style statement.

Wear a simple, short top with your skirt or denim, make the belly button bindi design the focal point and watch ’em gape.