Siginificance and History behind putting sindoor on forehead.

Sindoor is made up of vermilion, a red powder that is applied as a red streak along the parting of a woman’s hair. It is also known as kumkum or sindur. It is a symbol of matrimony and is never applied by unmarried women or widows. It is always applied in the centre and is a symbol of female energy. It is first put on a woman by her husband on the day of her wedding, and becomes a daily ritual thereafter. Women have adopted different ways of wearing sindoor – at the beginning or along the parting line or as a red spot on the forehead. The history can be traced to as back as 5000 years ago when Hinduism started sowing its seeds into the cultural and traditional outlook in India and around. Historians have also discovered that during the existence of Harappan civilization, it was applied along the partition of a woman’s hair and was the most prominent mark of her being married. Besides that, there are legends that revolve around Hindu mythology that indicate Radha, who was Lord Krishna’s wife, turned it into a shape, which resembled a flame onto her forehead. Several other scriptures like the Puranas also mention sindoor and its value for a married woman.

The tradition of wearing Sindoor by married women has been explained with the help of mythology. Scholars say that red is the color of power while vermilion is a symbol of the female energy of Parvati and Sati. Hindu mythological legends regard Sati as the ideal wife who gave her life for her husband's honor. Every Hindu wife is supposed to emulate her. Hindus believe that Goddess Parvati protects all those men whose wives apply vermilion to their parting of hair. Kumkum or turmeric based sindoor is scientifically and spiritually beneficial for the ladies. It absorbs the bad water in forehead region and enhances the power of concentration. The sixth chakra (third eye) is centered on forehead between the eyebrows. It’s considered the channel through which mental power and spirituality can be enhanced. Sindoor enhances the feminine grace to a large extent lending a divine beauty. Red is the color of love and passion and hence it is applied by Indian women to win the heart of their husbands. Sindoor signifies that the women with it is married, under the protection of her husband and hence no one should make mistake to cast an evil eye on her. Red is the color of fire, blood and strength. It indicates that tender looking Indian women can also assume the form of Shakti (goddess of strength) for the annihilation of wickedness. She can become the spark of fire from a soft flower for her own protection as well as her security of motherland.
Interesting Facts and Comparisons:
1.When the sindoor is wiped or smudged off it indicates that a woman has just lost her husband and is now a widow.
2.Sindoor is thrown in the air as a sign of prosperity and honor during festivals like Holi.
3.In ancient times it was made at home, but now it is readily available in the market at reasonable prices.
4.The color red signifies strength, blood and fire.
5.Another name for Sindoor is Kumkum.
6.It is also believed that it enhances the levels of concentration.
7.These days, it is available in the form of a liquid or gel which comes in a bottle that resembles the ones used for lip glosses, and women use the tip of the brush to apply it which makes the application easier and less messy.

Impact of COVID-19

 COVID-19; a pause for a new start

   I think we have not spent this much time with our families playing indoor games, making food, watching television, etc. Sanitizing our hands maintaining social distance from other persons, and wearing masks. Nothing is more important than our health. I think we had never gone through such a tough situation and we should not in the future also.

   When the novel coronavirus knocked on the world's doors, no one had any clue how long it will last and how deadly its consequences will be. Due to its contagious nature, several countries around the world. The unprecedented situation that was brought about by the pandemic transformed our fast-paced and mundane lives drastically. With the many restrictions put to the curb. 

   COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed our lives. When we look back almost it has been one year but it doesn’t look like that. Everything has changed the way we used to be before and the way we are now. This pandemic has taught us many things we have to adapt ourselves to our surroundings. Situations will not be the same every time, we should be ready to face anything and everything. The habits COVID has given to us will surely last long. Many people feel that this pandemic had brought many problems (financial, traveling, work, etc..) but don’t do that just thank god that you are still alive today because many people around the world lost their lives and you are still alive.

 

   From rich to poor, elders to youngers, Americans to Indians, different religions, different castes everyone is the same during this pandemic. We show differences in all this but when it comes to health it is the same, has the same effects on everyone and doctors treat everyone equally. One thing when our decisions are strong, same and we are united any pandemic can't do anything. First, we don't have unity, we don't care for anyone, everyone is roaming on the roads the person who has work and who doesn't have work also without even wearing the masks. We are letting this pandemic grow more by taking many more lives. 

   Waking up early in the morning getting ready to go to school colleges, spending time with friends, playing games, interact with faculty, and many more things. Now everything has changed without the internet facility we can't study or communicate. Sitting for long hours in front of pics we get bored and lose interest in studying. We are not able to clarify our doubts properly. No lab sessions, no canteen meetings, no night outs, and many more things. Exams there is no need of talking about that, everyone toppers to failures just searching the answers sharing in the groups, and writing exams without any preparation. Just we have forgotten the fear of exams. Without even writing the exams the government is promoting the students to the next standard. If this situation continues students will complete their graduations without having the minimum knowledge. That is the worst situation to imagine than any other thing.

A TURNING POINT

1. EDUCATION

BEFORE PANDEMIC

DURING PANDEMIC 

 2. MARRIAGES      

 

BEFORE PANDEMIC

DURING PANDEMIC

3. ROADS

 

BEFORE PANDEMIC

  

DURING PANDEMIC 

4. FOOD 

BEFORE PANDEMIC

DURING PANDEMIC

 

The conclusion              

The conclusion is that it was and is dependent on us, For someone. COVID turn out to be something that came like a tsunami and destroyed everything and now they can not do anything, But for someone, it turns to be an opportunity that they were waiting for a large time where they can work upon. COVID changed everything. Like we all change this world has also changed. And it is upon us how we adapt and how early we adapt. 

STAY HOME STAY SAFE