Sunnam in English is edible lime (తినే సున్నం) – slaked lime, the white paste called chuna in Hindi and sunnambu in Tamil. It is the lime smeared thinly on tamalapaku (betel leaf) when tamboolam is prepared. It is not the lime fruit (nimmakaya).
How sunnam is used
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Tamboolam – a thin smear on the betel leaf with vakkalu, offered after the puja and to guests.
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Upanayanam – part of the samagri; our Upanayanam kit includes one pack.
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Pasupu–kumkuma – lime is what traditionally turns turmeric red to make kumkuma.
Please note: sunnam is strongly alkaline. Use only a thin smear, keep it away from eyes and out of reach of children, and close the pack after use. Regularly chewing betel quid with areca nut is linked to serious health problems; this pack is for puja and tamboolam.
Questions families ask
What is sunnam in English?
Edible lime or slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). In Hindi, chuna.
Is sunnam the same as lime fruit?
No. Sunnam is a white mineral paste; the fruit is nimmakaya.
How much sunnam do I need for a puja?
One pack is plenty for the tamboolam at a puja or vratam.
Goes well with
Vakkalu (betel nuts) · Kumkuma · Upanayanam 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.
