Vermilion/Sindoor is worn in the center parting of the hair by married Hindu women. Sindoor is made of sulfides of mercury or by cinnabar. Sindoor is applied to Hindu goddesses like Parvati, Lakshmi, Durga, etc. Sindoor stands for power and good fortune and is a sign of "Soubhagya" in the case of a married Hindu women. Historical Aspect of Vermilion/Sindoor The tradition of wearing sindoor or vermilion by Indian women dates back to 5,000 years. Excavations of female figurines from Mehrgarh, Baluchistan, have proved that vermilion was worn by women even in Harrappan times. The use of sindoor has also been mentioned in the Puranas, Lalitha Sahasranamam and Soundarya Laharis. In the famous epic Mahabharata, Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, is believed to have wiped her sindoor in disgust and despair at the happenings in Hastinapur. Practices Associated with Vermilion/Sindoor During the marriage ceremony, Sindoor is applied for the first time to a Hindu woman by her bridegroom and is called the "Sindoor Dana" ceremony. Even in the ancient Aryan society, a bridegroom made a 'tilak' mark on the bride's forehead as a sign of wedlock. The present practice could be an extension of that tradition. In traditional Hindu society, wearing sindoor is considered must for married Hindu women. It is a visible expression of their desire for their husbands' longevity. Traditionally therefore, widows did not wear vermilion. Ancient Historical Explanations The tradition of wearing vermilion/sindoor by married women has been explained with the help of Ancient history. According to the scholars, red is the color of power and vermilion represents the female energy of Sati and Parvati. Sati is considered an ideal Hindu wife because she gave her life for her husband's honor. Hindus believe that Goddess Parvati grants "Akhand Soubhagya" (lifelong good fortune) to all the females who wear sindoor in their hair parting. Physiological Aspect of Vermilion/Sindoor Vermilion/sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and mercury. Mercury controls blood pressure and activates sexual drive. Sindoor should be applied right up to the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Thus, this also proves why sindoor is prohibited to widows
