Jaaju (జాజు) is red ochre powder – a natural red earth, called geru in Hindi. Mixed with water, it gives the deep brick-red borders that frame a white muggu (rangoli) and the red edging on thresholds and walls in Telugu homes.
How jaaju is used
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Muggu borders – a red outline around rice-flour muggu at the doorstep, especially through Dhanurmasam and Sankranti.
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Gadapa (threshold) – red bands painted on the threshold with pasupu for festivals and auspicious days.
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Gruhapravesham and functions – freshening the entrance, steps and puja room before the ceremony.
How to apply: mix jaaju with water to a thin paste and paint it on with a cloth or brush. Let it dry before drawing the muggu inside. Wash brushes straight after use – it stains cloth.
| Pack |
Good for |
| 50–100 g |
A few borders for a festival |
| 250 g |
The entrance and puja room for a function |
| 500 g – 1 kg |
A whole house, or a month of daily muggu |
Questions families ask
What is jaaju in English?
Red ochre – a natural red clay powder. In Hindi it is geru.
Is jaaju the same as kumkuma?
No. Jaaju is an earth colour for floors, thresholds and walls. Kumkuma is applied to the deity and as bottu.
Can I use jaaju with rice flour muggu?
Yes – that is its most common use: white rice-flour muggu with a red jaaju border.
Goes well with
Rice powder for muggu · Kolam powder · Pasupu · Gruhapravesham kit
Delivery: shipped across India, ₹100 flat delivery per order. Returns are accepted if an item arrives damaged, defective or wrong.
Buying for a whole puja? Send your samagri list on WhatsApp (+91 81210 07481) and we pack it together, or pick a ready puja samagri kit. For the Telugu, English and Hindi name of every item, see Telugu Pooja Samagri Names.
