Forehead Dot Thingers

If you've ever seen someone with a dot on their forehead (between and slightly above the eyes), what you are seeing is called a Pottu, Bindi or Tilaka, and is a sign that the person is a Hindu.

Different markings mean different things. For example, a red Bindi can signify that a woman is married. Or sometimes a black Bindi on a child is meant to ward off the "evil eye".

The markings can also denote which Hindu diety the wearer worships (whether it be Lord Vishnu, or Lord Shiva, etc).

Now I finally know what to call "the dot" and not sound stupid! :-)