Kumkum 2333181 221964236 2008-06-26T22:05:12Z 144.5.140.24 {{Context}} The traditional '''Kumkum''' (koom-koom), or ''Kungumam - குங்குமம்'' 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 [[blessing]]s (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 [[India]]n 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. ==See also== *[http://www.sajaforum.org/2008/01/desi-spotting-2.html A kumkum recall in the U.S., Jan. 16, 2008] *[[Bindi (decoration)]] *[[Bindu]] *[[Tilak]] *[[Holi]] *[[Sindoor]] *[[Praveen shah]] *[[Bushra]] {{-}} {{hinduism-stub}} [[te:కుంకుమ]] kumkum is also serial which is aired monday to friday.