Blessings and Beauty

We have a beautiful ritual of offering flowers to women along with turmeric. Be it a little baby girl, a lady, or an elder woman, the gesture is timeless and heartwarming. Havyaka Brahmin tradition is rich, authentic, and rooted in practices that date back hundreds of years. Offering turmeric and kumkum is one such cherished tradition.

Kumkum is a vibrant red powder made from turmeric and camphor—an intriguing mix of nature and purity. Turmeric, known for its antibacterial properties, symbolizes health and wellness. Camphor, with its soothing fragrance, is believed to have calming effects on the mind. Kumkum isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a way of connecting with divine energies while ensuring you’re radiating both health and positivity!

Here’s how it goes: turmeric is applied lightly on either side of the chin, close to the ears, while the red kumkum is applied as a small circle on the forehead, between the eyebrows. Now, why between the eyebrows, you ask? Scientifically, this spot corresponds to the ajna chakra (the third eye), which represents intuition and wisdom. Applying kumkum there is believed to stimulate mental clarity and keep negative energies at bay. Talk about beauty with a purpose!

After this, flowers are offered - a tiny jasmine, a chrysanthemum, a rose, or even a garland of these fragrant blooms. Flowers, in essence, signify freshness, beauty, and blessings. Their pleasing fragrance has the power to uplift one’s mood instantly (and let’s not forget, they make great Instagram props too!).

The ritual doesn’t end there. Money is given as a sign of prosperity, symbolizing Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. In many cultures, it is believed that offering money brings abundance, and hey, who wouldn’t love a little extra cash in their pocket? But wait, the jackpot comes during festivals and special occasions! The list grows exponentially; Sarees, mirrors (to remind you how stunning you look), bangles, rice, coconuts, betel leaves, betel nuts, sweets, and more, depending on the giver’s enthusiasm (and budget). It’s a treasure trove of happiness that leaves you smiling ear to ear.

The bright, white chrysanthemum you see in the picture is what I got as I was leaving my granny's house. Even though I was in a hurry, my beloved aunt didn’t miss the chance to bless her “daughter.” She insisted, and there I sat in a squat position, balancing my bag in one hand and her blessings in the other. By the time I applied turmeric, kumkum, and adjusted the flower, I realized I’d officially become a walking temple offering! Such moments, simple yet profound and make our traditions so meaningful.