So while the bindi lives on in many minds figuratively and literally, as a traditional symbol of auspiciousness as well as an important fashion accessory, the bindi is here to stay, to embellish the foreheads of women in the present and the future, in India and elsewhere. And that makes me quite happy.

One of the key reasons I love the latest mainstream fashion trends is because of the increasing influence South Asian culture has on it. The latest trend nowadays is the bindi. From an ordinary red dot that simply defined a woman's marital status in India to being an adornment and a great fashion statement in body art, the Bindi really has risen in the fashion ranks. Although Bindi is a generic term it is also colloquially known as 'tika', 'pottu', 'sindoor', 'tilak', 'tilakam', and 'kumkum'. Traditionally worn it's usually seen placed awkwardly or nimbly between the brows and elsewhere on the body.

It's now continuously been spotted on the foreheads of Western women in trendy music videos, in the various international social circuits and on the red carpets of prestigious awards or other global ceremonies. It's been worn by the progeny of the procreators and by the borrowers from different lands - by the pretty young thing as well as the mature elegant beauty. So whether it is Madonna or Aishwariya Rai, Neena Gupta, Goldie Hawn or Dolly Thakore who wears it proudly - the Bindi makes a statement.

'Bindi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' meaning a 'drop' or a 'point.' It covers a spot between the eyebrows, which is believed to be the mystic third eye of a person. When correctly applied while following traditions it sits between the eyebrows sometimes just or well above the nose. There is a special significance of this area on the forehead for it is also where one's sixth charka is said to be located. The Ajna or the 'Third Eye' as this charka is popularly known in Yoga, it literally means 'command' and is known to be the seat of concealed wisdom.

From the traditional form the Bindi today has transcended into a modern day fashion statement of body art, as well as a true art form of body adornment. While retaining its rightful place on the forehead, it has nevertheless made tentative forays all over the body and found new places to nestle like the corner of the eyes and around the delicate eye of the navel too. It has managed to smudge not only the rigid caste and status boundaries within India but also traveled international borders with ease.

As an international trend - the bindi is definitely catching on fast. That the Indian women and bindi icons like Usha Uthup, Shubha Mudgal, Shobha De, Dolly Thakore and scores of actress from the hindi film industry like Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee, Vaijaiyantimala and Rekha are all doing their bit to make the bindi an international hit.

The conventional sticker bindi, made of velvet, came into existence over a couple of decades ago and is moving from strength to strength. These bindis come in all colors, sizes and shapes like that of a star, half-moon, clover, heart, tear, leaf or even a snake. There are multicolored and layered ones too, if one fancies.

In the contemporary age, the bindi has become a decorative item and is worn by unmarried as well as non-Hindu women, in India, Bangladesh and other countries of South Asia. It is no longer restricted in color or shape. Self-adhesive bindis made from felt in various designs and colors are now available. So there you have it. When you wondered how to answer that repeated question we face as South Asians: What does that red dot mean? You can refer to this article in the humbly written little column of India Life and Style. This season be trendy while being traditional and just dot it!