Sindoor is a traditional cosmetic powder, typically vermilion red, orange-red, or maroon in color, that holds deep cultural and religious significance in South Asia, particularly among Hindu communities. It is primarily worn by married women along the part of their hairline. The application of sindoor is considered auspicious and serves as a visual marker of a woman's marital status. Ceasing to wear it traditionally implies widowhood.

Significance for Hindus

In Hinduism, sindoor symbolizes a woman's married status, love, and devotion to her husband. Single women may wear bindis of different colors for special occasions, but they generally do not apply sindoor in the parting of their hairline. Widows, on the other hand, traditionally do not wear sindoor or bindis, signifying the absence of their husbands.

The ritual of applying sindoor is deeply embedded in Hindu marriage ceremonies. The "Sindoor Daanam" ceremony involves the husband applying sindoor to his wife's hair parting on their wedding day, marking the beginning of their married life. Following this ceremony, the woman typically applies sindoor herself daily as a symbol of her commitment and the continued well-being of her husband.

Hindu mythology also attributes significance to sindoor. According to legends, Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, wore sindoor as a symbol of her devotion to her husband. It is believed that sindoor is favored by Lord Shiva and that women who apply it are granted a long and blissful married life. The application of sindoor is considered a blessing, ushering in good luck and prosperity for the couple while averting malevolent spirits.

The red color of sindoor itself is symbolic, representing love, passion, strength, and the energy of Shakti, the divine feminine. It signifies that a woman is under the protection of her husband and should be respected.

References in Popular Culture

Sindoor has been a recurring motif in Indian movies and television dramas, often revolving around its ritualistic significance. Several films, such as "Sindoor" (1947), "Sindooram" (1976), "Rakta Sindhuram" (1985), and "Sindoor" (1987), explore themes related to the tradition. The television series "Sindoor Tere Naam Ka" (2005–2007) also highlights the cultural importance of sindoor.

The "Sindoor Khela," a tradition where married women smear vermillion on each other during Durga Puja festivities, has also been depicted in popular culture, such as in Vidya Balan's film "Kahaani". This ritual is a celebration of womanhood and marital bliss, although historically, widows and unmarried women were excluded.

In recent years, there have been efforts to challenge traditional norms surrounding sindoor and promote inclusivity. The Times of India's #NoConditionsApply campaign advocated for the inclusion of widows, unmarried women, and trans women in Sindoor Khela, transforming the event into a celebration of sisterhood and solidarity. Designer Rohit Verma's fashion show in March 2020 featured diverse individuals wearing sindoor to challenge unfair traditions imposed on women.

The use of sindoor by celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, and Kiara Advani after their weddings has also brought the tradition into the spotlight. Some designers have experimented with unconventional colors and styles of sindoor, reclaiming it as a symbol of individual choice and feminist expression.

Recent Events

In current events, the term "Sindoor" has appeared in a different context. "Operation Sindoor" was launched by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response to a recent terrorist attack.