How to Do Haldi Kumkum

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

The Haldi Kumkum ceremony is a Hindu (Indian) tradition where married women exchange haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermillion). Haldi Kumkum is a symbol of their married status and wishing long lives for their husbands.

Steps

1
Place haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermillion) into two small bowls (usually special ones are available for this, but you don't need to have special ones). Also add flowers, betel nut leaves, betel nut and coconut (one per female).
- In addition, you may also choose to give bangles, sweets, small novelties and money or gifts.
2
On one plate or a serving tray (metal is better), place the haldi/kumkum at the top. Place money, coconut and betel nut on the betel nut leaves. Bangles can also be placed with the coconut.

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3
Offer haldi/kumkum to married women and unmarried women. A married woman would take the haldi, but an unmarried woman will only take the kumkum.
- Note: In some customs, haldi/kumkum can be placed on the woman by the person offering it.
4
Pick up the flower and give it to the woman. She should accept the flower with both hands extended and should wear the flower in her hair.
5
Pick up the coconut with the betel nut leaf, nut and money and offer these to the woman. The woman should accept the coconut by holding out both of her hands.
- If there are more things to be offered, they can be offered now.
6
If the person receiving the haldi kumkum is older, do namaskar to the person to receive blessing.
7
Repeat as needed. You can now repeat the process with the next person.

Things You'll Need

Haldi (turmeric)
Kumkum (vermillion)
2 two small bowls (usually special ones are available for this, but you don't need to have special ones)
Flowers
Betel nut leaves
Betel nut
Coconut (one per female)
Bangles, sweets, small novelties or money (optional)