There are different regional variations of the bindi. In Maharashtra a large crescent moon shaped bindi is worn with a smaller black dot underneath or above, associated with "Chandrabindu" and "Bindu chakra" represented by crescent moon, they are commonly known as "Chandrakor" in this region, outside Maharashtra they are popularly known as "Marathi bindi". In Bengal region a large round red bindi is worn, brides in this region are often decorated with "Alpana" design on forehead and cheeks, along with bindi. In southern India a smaller red bindi is worn with a white tilak at the bottom, another common type is a red tilak shaped bindi. In Rajasthan the bindi is often worn round, long tilak shaped bindi are also common, as well as the crescent moon on some occasions. Decorative bindis have become popular among women in South Asia, regardless of religious background. Bindis are a staple and symbolic for women in the Indian subcontinent.