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.
The best we can say is that we call kumkum vermillion in the same way that we call an orange an orange — or Tamilians call turmeric “manjal,” meaning yellow.
Kumkum is a red-coloured powder, identical to Sindoor, but is different in use and symbolism. Unlike sindoor, kumkum is used in rituals, prayers, and religious ceremonies, and can be used by married and unmarried women.
A red ink stationary marker pen, synonymous with a felt marker or a sketch pen can be used as an alternative to bindi or kumkum [Figure 2]. The ink used in this felt pen comprises 1-propanol, 1-butanol, diacetone alcohol and cresols.
Kumkum is also seen as a symbol of blessings and prosperity, so wearing it is like carrying around good luck wherever you go. Plus, it's often applied during religious ceremonies and rituals as a form of devotion to the gods. So, it's not just makeup; it's a whole spiritual journey!
"Wearing a Bindi or Mangalsutra is a Hindu custom. The Islamic dress code bars believers from adopting these codes," he told Khabar South Asia. "Hindu women feel their gods protect their husbands if they wear those symbols. In Islam we are not allowed to place faith in any object or person other than Allah.
Sindoor, also known as Vermillion, is a reddish-orange powder with a chemical name of Vermillion. Cinnabar is one of the common components of sindooram. Cinnabar is a mercury ore that is light red in color and is represented by the symbol HgS.
🌿Kumkum, symbolic of the divine energy or Shakti, is a traditional product used for thousands of years with many spiritual and medicinal benefits. It is said to engender good thoughts, block negative energies and give a cooling effect to the nervous system.
A bindi or pottu (from Sanskrit bindú meaning "point, drop, dot or small particle") is a coloured dot or, in modern times, a sticker worn on the centre of the forehead, originally by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists from the Indian subcontinent.
Made with 100% Pure Haldi. Unlike synthetic kumkum, our CHITRASHILA Kumkum is made with 100% pure Haldi, offering an authentic, skin-friendly, and naturally fragrant experience rooted in tradition.
Kumkum Puvvu, or saffron, is derived from the stigma of the Crocus sativus flower. Each flower contains three crimson stigmas, which are carefully harvested and dried to produce the spice we know as saffron. This delicate process makes saffron one of the most expensive spices in the world.
In North India, turmeric is commonly called “haldi,” a word derived from the Sanskrit word haridra, and in the south it is called “manjal,” a word that is frequently used in ancient Tamil literature.
Method: Dry roast the mint leaves till black and crisp. dry roast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, red chilies, till dark brown and fragrant. Grind together all the ingredients to make a fine powder.
In English, it is often referred to as “sacred marriage necklace” or “wedding necklace.” However, there's no exact translation that catches the essence of the mangalsutra.
Brief Answer: Coming back to the presented question and discussion, it can be concluded that the ruling of wearing bindi on one's forehead is prohibited because it is a symbol or identity used by the Hindus.
While this might hold true elsewhere globally, the Syrian Christians of Kerala, among the oldest Christian communities in India, have a different story. Over centuries, Syrian Christians adopted many aspects of local Hindu traditions, like the mangalsutra and sindoor, and wove them into their own practices.
Prolonged use of such sindoor can cause lasting skin damage. If you experience burning sensations, itching, red patches, hair loss, or scalp infections after applying sindoor, it could be a sign that the chemicals are damaging your skin. It's crucial to be alert to these symptoms and take action.
It is said when the sindoor falls on a bride's nose during the application by her husband, it is a good omen and is believed to bring happiness and prosperity to the couple ✨ May you both have a prosperous and happy life together.
