Teep (decoration)

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Cosmetic dot worn on the forehead

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

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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

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

## Religious significance

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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

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

## See also

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

## References

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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.