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Handmade Pahadi Kumkum: The tradition of making Pahadi Kumkum has been alive for centuries in the mountains of Uttarakhand and Kumaon. This pure kumkum made at home with turmeric and lemon not only holds religious significance but also spreads the fragrance of collectivity and hill culture. Different from the market colors, this kumkum is considered a symbol of bringing happiness, prosperity and positive energy in the house. Know how this kumkum is made.
Pithoragarh: Not only the fragrance but also the soul of traditions resides in the soil of the mountains. The tradition of making Pahari Kumkum has been alive for centuries in the culture of Uttarakhand and Kumaon region, which reflects not only religious faith but also collectivism and Pahari lifestyle. Here kumkum is not just a red colour, but is also considered a symbol of auspicious beginning and positive energy. Before any puja, marriage, naming ceremony or other auspicious ceremony, women prepare kumkum with their own hands, in which readymade products from the market are not used but the entire process is completed in a natural way.
Making kumkum starts with pure turmeric, which is either grown at home or brought from the forest. Turmeric is thoroughly cleaned and dried in the sun, then ground on a stone slab. Pahadi lemon juice is added to ground turmeric, due to which the yellow color of turmeric gradually changes to dark red and this later takes the form of auspicious kumkum. The mixture is dried in the sun for a few days so that the color improves and the kumkum remains safe for a long time.
Also read: Do fairies really live in the mountains? This is how people celebrate the mysterious ‘Edi-Anchari’ of Kumaon.
Women make kumkum together
This process is not just a household task but a collective ritual. Women make kumkum together, sing traditional songs, laugh and reminisce about the past. In this way this tradition continues from generation to generation. The biggest feature of Pahari Kumkum is its purity; There are neither any chemicals nor commercial colors in it, just a combination of turmeric, lemon, incense and faith. It is believed that it removes negative energy and brings happiness and prosperity in the house. It is applied on the forehead, door frame of the house and place of worship.
Today, kumkum is easily available in the market, but the fragrance of familiarity, purity and culture that is found in Pahari Kumkum is not found anywhere else. This tradition teaches us that only by connecting with nature and tradition we can preserve our roots and cultural identity.
About the Author
Seema Nath has been working in the field of media for five years. Has worked in Shah Times, Uttaranchal Deep, News Update Bharat as well as Local 18 (Network 18). Currently I am associated with News18 (Network18), where I…read more
