HALDI KUMKUM : Women's Fun Meetings

A celebration which satisfies the feminine need to dress up is Haldi Kurnkum. This is a get-together organised by women for women and is held on several festive days of the year. There is no religious or historical significance attached to this celebration. It has gained popularity because such gatherings present opportunities for women to invite friends, relatives and new acquaintances to meet in an atmosphere of merriment and fun. On such occasions, the hostess distributes bangles, sweets, vermillion, small novelties, flowers, betel leaves and nuts as well as coconuts.

Sankrantils the first festival during which Haldi Kurnkum meets are organised. Women decorate their homes with floral torans and distribute sesame sweets and gifts to their friends. Haldi Kurnkums are also held during the first month of spring, Chaitra. On these occasions, women joyfully share the fruits and vegetables of the season and have a feast of mangoes, jackfruit, melons and sprouted pulses cooked with spices. Later in the year, Haldi Kurnkum festivities are also held during Mangalagauri, Haritalika andNavaratri. Haldi Kurnkum gatherings are occasions when newly married women show special respect to their elders by seeking their blessings. Young brides take great pleasure in dressing up in traditonal garments and jewellery.

The custom of holding Haldi Kumkums was common during the rule of the Marathas and Peshwas in Maharashtra. Palaces of the time had specific areas created for these very celebrations with stone troughs built for holding the vermillion and turmeric powders. In those days, queens or courtiers' wives, gave opulent gifts to their guests. Similarly, gifts of jewels and rich clothing were offered to goddess Bhavani or Parvati before the Haldi Kurnkum season began. In days gone by and even now in orthodox Hindu families, such occasions were meant only for single or married women and excluded widows who were considered inauspicious and thus unwelcome. The lowly status of widows is a major shortcoming of Hinduism. But in urban, educated homes, such gatherings are becoming more open and are called Sakhi Sammelans or women's friendly gatherings. Chaat and different kinds of spicy snacks, sweets or special foods associated with the season are shared. Nevertheless, the purpose of most feminine festivals is to pray for the welfare and prosperity of the family.

January brides who get married around Sankranti celebrate Haldi kurnkums with fanfare. Henna patterns on the hands, green and gold bangles worn with an ornate green and gold sari, adorn a bride for this special occasion.

[Bottom] Women who express devotion to their famifies, venerate theV'dl specially and have symbolic ties oflove and affection with this gigantic tree which grows in every region and lives for centuries.