TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS & PRACTCES
Traditional
Beauty Treatment
Kumkum (Kungumam)
Kungumam is a powder, usually deep red (other colours, shades of red are
also available), which is applied on the forehead. Men also apply
kumkum on the forehead, but this mark has a special significance on a
woman. Kumkum applied in the hair parting is an indication that she is
married.
Kungumam is a mixture of slaked lime and turmeric. Turmeric is an
antiseptic. It is believed that applying kumkum in the forehead (where
the eyebrows meet)is effective, for this is a spot where nerve ends
meet. Also, it is believed that kumkum in the forehead drives away evil
spirits and forces.
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