Teep (decoration)

Teep (Bengali: টিপ) or "Tip", is a coloured dot or, in modern times, a sticker worn on the center of the forehead by women in Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Bangladesh, irrespective of their religion. A similar cosmetics to teep are called bindi and pottu.

Little Bengali girl from Bangladesh wearing Teep on the occasion of Poila Boishakh

History

By the 18th century, the use of teeps had become very common, especially among women in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

It is popular in celebrations such as Durga Puja, Eid Al Fitr, Poila Boishakh, and Eid Al Adha.

Traditional application method

The teep is always worn on the forehead and between the eyebrows.

Religious significance

In Hinduism, the teep is considered to be a symbolic representation of the third eye, which is associated with religious visions, clairvoyance, the ability to observe chakras and auras, precognition, and out-of-body experiences.

Bengali Islam also approves wearing the teep as a cultural representation.

In popular culture

In Indian television series, Shanti - Ek Aurat Ki Kahani, the character of Shanti wears a teep.

See also

• Bindi
• Huadian—A traditional Chinese forehead decoration
• Thirunamam
• Tilaka
• Urna