Stripe of colour applied by Hindus on the forehead. Sometimes mistakenly thought by westerners to be a mark of caste. Tika may have variations, which include plastic stars, grain, ashes, soot, etc.

decorative mark made on forehead as a blessing

Coloured mark on the forehead of most of the adult Hindu women (but even others take over that custom such as many Christians in India). When it's done by men it's called "tilak", although nowadays everyone names it mostly "tika". It's a sign of blessing applied by the carrier itself or by a temple priest. The mark is made from a vermilion pasta ( sindoor) mixed with white sandalwood pasta or ashes ( vhibuti).

commentary.

a little better, and a PC-III is OK

correct