Indian weddings are extravagant affairs full of pomp and elegance. Weddings in India is a sacred tradition which signifies the beginning of the new life of two individuals together.There are many rituals performed in Indian wedding including Haldi, Mehandi, Sagai, Kanyadaan, Saptapadi, and the last Sindoor Daan. Every ritual performed has its own significance. But the prominent one is Sindoor Daan. Sindoor Daan is the important custom of Indian weddings. After Saptapdi or Saat Phere, the Groom apply the Sindoor on brides forehead.
Vermilion or commonly called as Sindoor is a red colored cosmetic powder which is worn by a married woman in India. The red color denotes power and Vermilion represents the female energy of Sati and Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Sati gave up her life for her husband and it is said that Goddess Sati protects every man whose wives put Vermilion. Sindoor is firstly applied by the groom on the day of the wedding and considered extremely auspicious.It’s a tradition to apply sindoor after marriage as it’s a women identity and holds a lot of importance for Hindus. It is one of the 16 adornments (Shringar) of Indian women. In Hindu culture, it is to believe that putting vermilion tends to increase the age of the husband.There is also a physiological significance of putting sindoor. Sindoor is made by mixing turmeric and mercury. Where turmeric reduces stress keeping the brain active, mercury metal helps in controlling blood pressure and actives sexual desire. That’s why widows are restricted to put Vermilion.
It’s not only a ritual as Sindoor is the sign of good fortune, good health, prosperity. On the one hand, it symbolizes the longevity of the husband, on the other hand, it stimulates a woman well-being. According to astrology, it is believed that applying sindoor (red vermilion powder) activates chakras on the crown and in the forehead which attracts cosmic energy and showers the couple with prosperity. It’s truly a blessing of putting sindoor in hair partition for a married woman as a woman can only apply sindoor till the last breath of her husband.