Kumkum

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The traditional Kumkum (koom-koom), or Kungumam as it is called in Tamil Nadu, is made from dried turmeric. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a bit of slaked lime, which turns the rich yellow powder into red color.

The kungumam, which is made from the turmeric powder, is an auspicious symbol. When a girl or a married woman visits a house, it is a sign of respect (in case of an elderly lady) or blessings (in case of a young girl) to offer kumkum to them when they leave. However, it is not offered to widows. When visiting a Hindu temple, married women from southern India usually dip their ring finger in yellow turmeric powder, and apply a dot on their neck. Men, women, girls, and boys apply a dot on their forehead of red turmuric powder, also when visiting a temple or during a pooja. In most of India, everyday, married women apply red kumkum in front of their parting on their forehead as a symbol of marriage. This is called vermilion, or in Hindi, Sindoor.

Kumkum is also widely used for worshiping the Hindu goddesses, especially Shakti and Lakshmi.

Kumkum is also a name of a famous Indian TV serial. Kumkum jewelry was used on the serial, and is designed in Sweden, and made in Mexico out of glass and silver plated steel.

In the 1960s there was also a well known Indian actress named Kumkum who appeared in Hindi movies.

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kumkum is also serial which is aired monday to friday.
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