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.[1][2] A similar cosmetics to teep are called bindi and pottu.

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

History edit

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.[3]

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

Traditional application method edit

The teep is always worn on the forehead and between the eyebrows.[4]

Religious significance edit

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.[5]

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

In popular culture edit

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


See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ চৌধুরী, মধুমন্তী (September 22, 2015). "পুজোর বাজারে সাবেকি টিপ". Anandabazar Online. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  2. ^ "টিপটপ টিপ". www.kalerkantho.com. March 2022. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  3. ^ ইসলাম, সায়েদুল (April 2, 2022). "বাঙালি নারীদের মধ্যে টিপ পরার প্রচলন শুরু হলো যেভাবে". BBC. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  4. ^ Chowdhury, Arpita Roy (March 28, 2023). "Purpose of Bindi: এক বিশেষ কারণে টিপ সব সময় কপালে দুই ভুরুর মাঝেই পরা হয়, জেনে নিন বিশদে". bengali.news18.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  5. ^ Chowdhury, Arpita Roy (March 28, 2023). "Purpose of Bindi: এক বিশেষ কারণে টিপ সব সময় কপালে দুই ভুরুর মাঝেই পরা হয়, জেনে নিন বিশদে". bengali.news18.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.