Kumkum

Kumkum is a vermillion powder derived from a mixture of powdered dried saffron, turmeric, and slaked lime. As a religious and social symbol of Hinduism devotees use it during auspicious occasions and also after completing their daily prayers to make a tikka (forehead mark). Kumkum is applied in the center of the forehead directly between the eyebrows on the sixth chakra, also known as the third eye, believed to be the channel through which humankind opens spiritually to the Divine. The tikka is a symbol of female energy, placed on the most important spot for receptivity to be enhanced. The husband first puts on his wife on the day of her wedding after which it becomes a daily ritual.