The fragrant screw pine flower (thaale hoovu/thazhampoo) is added to turmeric-based kumkum to create a scented, auspicious offering widely used during Navaratri. Native to coastal South India, thazhampoo kumkum, notably from Madurai, remains produced by a few family businesses using sun-dried turmeric, slaked lime, alum and flower extract, preserving a centuries-old artisanal tradition now at risk.
