Monday, October 6, 2008

HALDI KUMKUM

http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/vasu/traditions/chapter16/adiv3.jpg

I like this tradition of Haldi Kumkum very much. It is prevalent in mahharashtra,MP and southern states.Most of the time two times in a year..once after 14 January and second time either in navraatri or in Shravan maas, women perform it.best part I like is that evryone is dressed to the hilt:)..in silk, Kanjeevarams, sarees,jwellery and here in Chennai with Malli poo(mogra flowers).

For this they invite all the ladies home, some people give the invitation by offering Sindoor Then at home..... they welcome you with Turmeric and Sindoor. You sit there. Then they will give you few things...like fresh coconut,few betel leaves..sachet or small fancy boxes of turmeric and Sindoor, some money ..coin...Supari and some small thing to eat.With this they may offer you some small gift also. In these days in Dewas the whole market used to be full of small items, as people buy in bulk, may be a spoon, box,bag anything. Then in the end you are offered some sweet saunf and dabbed with Itar(perfume). This tradition is considered to be very auspicious.
yesterday i went to two houses and was amazed to see their Golu and pooja preparations and i have two more invitations:). So much fun:)

20 comments:

Compassion Unlimitted said...

Ver nice traditions ,only hope these things last for many more years to come
nice post
tc
cu

Renu said...

Yes they go a long way in creating realtionships also, like i didnt know many people,but on this occasion,I get to know them.
They will last, if we teach our children the value of culture and traditions and its long lasting effects.

sansmerci said...

yea it is so much fun .. i rem as i kid i used to go to everyones house in the apartment sing and dance and eat :) feels funny and awkward now :P used to b so much fun! its a time to get to kno ur neighbors well.. i c my mom dressin up with so much interest for a change only during this time.. that makes me very happy :)

Monika said...

ya its a nice tradition... I have attended some around here

Jayashree said...

Hmm...yes it is a lot of fun. I liked it better as a child, though....

DeeplyDip said...

cool..it sounds good fun...didn't know about this custom...interesting post :)

Anonymous said...

how come i am not aware of this tradition :)

Anonymous said...

New information for me.
Thankyou Renu.
:)

Ugich Konitari said...

Renu, I have some South Indian friends here and an interesting difference is, that in Maharashtra, when folks visit you for Haldi Kumkum, we ourselves apply haldi, kumkum, attar, and sprinkle rosewater on the ladies and girls, where as South Indian customs, have them holding out a set of haldi,kumkum, and chandan holders, and you apply it yourself....one enjoys the regional food specialities and offerings , and it really makes for some wonderful traditional days...

Renu said...

sansmerci;u r the best daughter:)
I also love the enthu everybody shows for dressing:)

Monika: good to bring out and air ur sarees:)

Jayshree:I love to see young girls ,all dressedup in what u call..paawdi...

Deeplydip; yes,its good fun, meeting ur friends, chatting, for all the fortnight:)

Swats: I am surprised myself:)

Hobo: pleasure is mine:)

Ugich konitari: u r right,Thanks for reminding it, i forgot to mention that,one more thing, here in south guest do not put it on the host, like its not reciprocated, but in maharashtra, guest also put it .
I think its a good custom for getting aquainted with ur neigbors and making friends.

starry said...

I think it is a good tradition and it brings people to gether.

Renu said...

Starry nights: I also like it, yesterday I went to 2-3 houses and their Golu was superb, so beautifully decorated and some evry old dolls.

Keshi said...

thats a real sweet tradition :)

Keshi.

Reflections said...

having fun huh :-))

Renu said...

keshi: yeah it is,here one lady made her Golu a replica of balaji temple in PittsburgUS and one made a replica of temples in Kumbhkonam:).

Reflection: yeah:) I went to a few places yesterday, and regretted not taking my camera:(

Mana said...

Its a common tradition followed in the whole of South India..

Nice post :)

Renu said...

manasa: Thanks for dropping here. and yes it is a very nice tradition, we must not let it go.

Anonymous said...

true..being away from india, i realize its more fun celebrating festivals!

Renu said...

Tulips: yes its like celebrating anything indian style:)
Thanks for dropping!

Maria said...

This is is educative to know the Indian culture

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