How to Host a Haldi Kumkum Ceremony

Last Updated: December 3, 2021

The Haldi Kumkum ceremony is a ritual conducted by married women in the Hindu faith. When a newly-wedded bride visits her relative's house, haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (turmeric and lime) powders are offered as a good omen. The vermillion and orange powders are deeply symbolic, and this ceremony is an important part of many Indian and practicing Hindu weddings. If you want to know how to host a Haldi Kumkum ceremony, we’ll walk you through the various things you may want to consider.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparation

1
Make your guest list. Invite ladies that are married and try to invite those who have an appreciation for other cultures or are of Indian origin.^{[1]
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Go shopping. The first two things you will need are the haldi and kumkum. Specifically for Sankranti Haldi kumkum ceremony get halwa (white sugar balls) and til gud laddus(buy or make them at home). If you live in a foreign country, find out and visit an Indian store close to home. If there is nothing in your zone, haldi and kumkum can be purchased on sites like Amazon. Here are some other things you will require:^{[2]
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- A blouse piece of a sari. If not available, then a small gift: a simple necklace or pendant or idol will do.
- Apples, bananas, and coconuts (not mandatory)
- A leaf called betel.
- Simple gift bags.
- Snacks: ladoos, moong dal fritters, and sweets (explore your neighborhood Indian store for ideas).
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3
Prepare a gift bag for each of your guests. In each bag, place a coconut, the gift or blouse piece, a fruit and two leaves.^{[3]
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- Make enough gift bags for the guests only. Even if your female guest brings members of her family, she is the only one to receive the gift.
4
Wear black. On the day of your Haldi Kumkum ceremony, wear black, since black is the color of this festival. If your culture has beliefs against black, don't panic. Slap on something bright and colorful for the occasion.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Implementing the Haldi Kumkum ceremony

1
Prepare for the ceremony.
- In two small bowls (preferably silver), put the haldi and kumkum.
- Put the bowls on a tray (preferably silver) and keep ready for your guests.
- Before the ceremony, it is customary to offer a bit of the haldi and kumkum to a deity.
2
Offer the haldi kumkum. As your guest ladies walk in, offer them the haldi kumkum plate that you set up earlier.^{[4]
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- Ask the guests to apply the kumkum on their forehead.
- Offer them a seat in your home or hall.
3
Once everyone has arrived, strike up a light conversation. Try not to crack jokes because it disturbs the calmness of the ceremony. Talk about life or any interesting experiences one of your guests has had.
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During these conversations, lay out your snacks for the guests to partake. Try to place the snacks on a table in the center of the guests, so as to not disturb their conversations. Pass out plates and napkins for people to use.^{[5]
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- Keep some knives, forks and spoon handy for special guests.
- When it comes to drinks, water is your best bet, but keep a Sprite handy.
5
Finish properly. Before your guests leave, have them face north. Place one of the gifts on a tray and present it to them. Give some hugs and kisses to complete the event.

Community Q&A

Question

Do guests need to bring something with them?

Cheyenne Ayers

Community Answer

No, but if they want to they can.
Question

What should I take as a guest of a Haldi Kumkum ceremony?

Community Answer

We normally don't take gifts for Haldi Kumkum. You can always take flowers for the lady or sweets for the kids, though.
Question

Can a pregnant lady attend this ceremony?

Maitru Bhave

Community Answer

Yes, she can. There is no restriction on what kind of ladies can attend the ceremony.

Warnings

Every Indian has a different take on the Haldi-Kumkum ceremony. Be open to suggestions on how to conduct the ceremony. Don't ever assume that there is one right way.

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Things You'll Need

A blouse piece of a sari, or a small gift such as a simple necklace or pendant or idol
Apples, bananas, and coconuts
Betel leaves
Simple gift bags
Snacks, such as ladoos, moong dal fritters, and sweets