Priyank Kharge’s remarks linking saffron (kesar) imports to the Hindu tilak have sparked criticism for misrepresenting a centuries-old religious Hindu practice. His suggestion that Hindus should stop wearing a tilak because much of the world’s saffron is imported from Islamic countries ignores the fact that the vast majority of Hindus do not use pure saffron for their daily tilak.

Kharge stated, “Ninety percent of the kesar (saffron) comes from Islamic countries. If I say this, will people stop applying the tilak?” It misleadingly assumes that the Hindu tilak is generally prepared using saffron, whereas in reality, most Hindus traditionally use kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood paste, vibhuti, or gopi chandan for daily religious practices, depending on their customs and traditions. Across Bharat, traditional kumkum is commonly prepared from turmeric processed with slaked lime, while many communities use sandalwood paste, vibhuti (sacred ash), or vermilion according to their customs. Pure saffron, owing to its rarity and cost, has generally been reserved for specific rituals and festive occasions rather than everyday use.

According to media reports, this is not the first time Priyank Kharge has targeted the RSS and Hindu organisations through his public remarks. Public representatives should exercise greater care before making sweeping statements about religious traditions. Reducing a deeply rooted Hindu practice to a debate over imported saffron reflects a poor understanding of the diversity of Hindu customs and rituals. Instead of making comments that many devotees perceive as insensitive or misleading, political leaders should ensure that their public statements are informed by historical and cultural facts and contribute to constructive public discourse rather than unnecessary controversy.

What is saffron (kesari/kesar)?

Saffron is a natural spice obtained from the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Each flower produces only three stigmas, making saffron one of the world’s most expensive spices. Major producers include Iran, Bharat (Kashmir), Afghanistan, Spain, and Morocco. In Hindu dharma, saffron is valued for its fragrance, purity, medicinal properties, and sacredness. It is used in temple rituals, abhishekam, prasad preparation, Ayurvedic medicines, and as an ingredient in sandalwood paste (chandana). The saffron (bhagwa) color also symbolizes renunciation, sacrifice, knowledge, courage, and spiritual enlightenment, which is why Hindu monks traditionally wear saffron robes.

What is kumkum?

Kumkum, a sacred red powder used in Hindu religious rituals, is not made from saffron. Traditionally, it is prepared by processing turmeric (Curcuma longa) with slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). The alkaline reaction changes turmeric’s yellow pigment (curcumin) into a deep red color. Kumkum has been used in Hindu Dharma for centuries and is applied on the forehead as a tilak or bindi, offered to deities during worship, and distributed as prasada after puja. Married Hindu women also apply kumkum as a symbol of auspiciousness, marital status, prosperity, and the blessings of Devi Shakti.

Why are they different?

Although both saffron and kumkum are associated with Hindu traditions, they serve completely different purposes. Saffron is a flower-derived spice used for fragrance, food, medicine, and certain sacred rituals, whereas kumkum is a ritual powder specifically prepared for worship and applying tilak. Saffron is not the raw material used to make traditional kumkum. Their colors may appear similar, but their composition, preparation, symbolism, and religious applications are entirely different.

Dharmic significance of kumkum

In Hindu Dharma, kumkum represents shakti (divine feminine energy), auspiciousness (mangala), prosperity, and spiritual awakening. Applying kumkum on the Ajna Chakra (between the eyebrows) symbolizes concentration, wisdom, and devotion to the Divine. During every Hindu puja, kumkum is offered to deities and then applied to devotees as a sacred blessing. It is especially associated with Devi Lakshmi and Devi Parvati, signifying prosperity, protection, and the continuity of family and dharma. Thus, kumkum is not merely a colored powder but a deeply sacred symbol embedded in Hindu religious and cultural traditions.

Rather than focusing on development, the Congress government in Karnataka is making such misleading statements. Such remarks by Kharge make little sense and only create unnecessary controversy. However, Hindu Dharma is far stronger than Kharge assumes, and such statements will not weaken the faith or traditions of millions of Hindus.