8 essential facts about Kumkum

Kumkum (Vermilion) is a unique cultural and spiritual symbol, and one of the most significant parts of the identity of Hindu women. Also known as Kungumam, Kunku, Sindoor, or Haldi Kumkum, Hindu women adorn their forehead with it, and apply it to the parting of their hair. Married women in India also apply kungumam on their mangalasutras.

A symbol of femininity, a sacred, and potent symbol of devotion, and an item of personal belief, kungumam is also a thing of beauty and style for the modern Indian woman.

• Did you know? Kumkum is a combination of powdered turmeric and slaked lime
• Haldi Kumkum ceremony is a social gathering in India in which married women exchange haldi (turmeric) and kumkum as a symbol of their marital status and prayer for their spouses’ and family’s long lives.

• Kungumam for Sumangalis. In the south of India, married women are known as Sumangali. It is customary for every woman of the house to offer kungumam to a visiting sumangali. This traditional send-off is believed to ensure the wellness and longevity of both families — the host and the visitors.
• Goddess Meenakshi Amman at Madurai is adorned with Thaazhampoo (Screw Pine) and Kungumam and the same is offered to devotees as prasadam (the word means precious gift).
• Saffron and Vermilion Kumkum made with saffron is considered purest and is the most expensive form of kumkum. Saffron petals archana is performed to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi at Vaishno Devi temple, Jammu.
• Kumkumaarchana is performed to Goddesses consecrated at ancient, and powerful shrines like Sri Padmavathi at Tiruchanoor, Sri Kamakshi at Kanchipuram, and Sri Mahakali at Kolkata.

Applying Kumkum and Haldi to doorsteps

• Inviting wealth home. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, home owners draw patterns with kunkuma and turmeric paste, on the doorstep and door frame of their homes.This is believed to invite Lakshmi — the goddess of wealth and prosperity, into the house. This is practiced every Friday, on auspicious occasions and during important Hindu festivals like Deepavali
• Hanuman prays for Rama In most of north India, it is a custom to apply sindoor (another name for kumkum) to Lord Hanuman. One day, Hanuman saw Sita applying sindoor and asked her the reason for it. She explained that she was praying for Lord Rama’s long life. At this, Hanuman applied sindoor all over his body and presented himself to Lord Rama. This devotion and affection moved Rama, who then granted Hanuman eternal life. This is how the custom of decorating Hanuman with sindoor started.

Picture credits

1. Kumkum in holder: Niki Shetty Photography
2. Turmeric on doorstep: Arun Shanbhag via His Message blog