Tilaka
A mark made on the forehead in Hindu practice, whose shape and colour can show a tradition.
Also: tilak, tika, namam
A tilaka is applied with the finger or a small stick, using sandalwood paste, sacred ash, clay, turmeric or kumkum. Followers of Vishnu often wear vertical lines of white clay in a U shape, with a red or yellow line in the middle. Followers of Shiva wear three horizontal lines of grey-white ash. A simple red dot or streak is given to guests and at festivals as a blessing. In Nepal a mix of red powder, rice and yoghurt is pressed on the forehead at the Dashain festival.