The traditional Kumkum or Kungumam, as it is called in Tamil Nadu, is made from dried turmeric. The turmeric is dried and powdered with a bit of lime, which turns the rich yellow powder into red color.

The turmeric powder by itself has a lot of medicinal qualities. The Ayurvedic doctors say it has fluoride which is essential for teeth. It is also used as antibacterial agent. Whenever there is a cut or a bruise, the home remedy is to reach for turmeric powder. The young girls and married women of Tamil Nadu use it for bathing purposes as there is a claim that its usage controls the growth of body hair.

The kungumam, which is made from the turmeric powder is an auspicious symbol. When a girl or a married woman visits a house, it is a sign of respect (in case of an elderly lady) or blessings (in case of a young girl) to offer kumkum to them when they leave. However, it is not offered to widows.

Kumkum is also widely used for worshipping the Hindu gods, especially Shakti and Lakshmi.