Kumkum is a traditional cosmetic powder that is used by women in South Asia, particularly in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It is made from the finely ground red or orange powder of the turmeric plant, mixed with slaked lime or alum and a few drops of water to form a paste. The paste is then dried and powdered to create a bright red or orange powder that is applied to the forehead, between the eyebrows, as a symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune. Kumkum has been used in South Asian cultures for centuries and is an important part of many religious and cultural ceremonies. It is often used to mark the forehead of a bride or groom during a wedding ceremony, as well as during other religious ceremonies such as puja or havan. In addition to its cultural significance, kumkum is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Despite its traditional use, kumkum has also been the subject of controversy in recent years, with some studies suggesting that it may contain dangerous levels of lead and other heavy metals. As a result, there have been efforts to regulate the production and sale of kumkum in some countries, and many manufacturers now produce lead-free versions of the powder. Overall, kumkum is an important cultural symbol and cosmetic product in South Asia, with a long and rich history of use in religious and cultural ceremonies.
South Asia, cultural symbol, religious ceremonies, Ayurvedic medicine, lead-free
CITATION : "Kevin Martinez. 'Kumkum.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=285712 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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