State govt bans adulterated vermilion in temples

Bengaluru: The state government on Thursday announced a ban on adulterated vermilion and sandalwood extracts in temples that fall under the Muzrai department.

The decision adulterated vermilion and sandalwood extracts in temples that fall under the Muzrai department was taken after several devotees complained of the chemical-laced Kumkum usage in some temple which leads to Bindi Dermatitis allergy. ]

Addressing a news conference on the issue state minister for Muzrai said, “We’ve been receiving complaints from devotees that they suffered skin problems after using vermilion mixed with chemicals. So, we have issued a circular banning the use of adulterated vermilion in all temples.”

He further added, “We received highest complaints from Uttara Kannada on adulterated vermilion being used in temples. It’s hard to miss vermilion that is mixed with chemicals. It makes vermilion look attractive with bright colours.”

The minister, however, clarified that identifying where such adulterated vermilion is manufactured will need a bigger, separate effort. “

Karnataka has about 35,000 temples under the Muzrai department.

As per the Dermatologists, there is a possibility of getting Bindi Dermatitis allergy after to the using adulterated vermilion and sandalwood extracts, due to which the cells of the skin in that area will die and the colour turns to white.