Friday 6 November 2015

Square Kolam


Presenting to you…
A Kolam made by my friend…
Hope you like it!!!

PS: Because many people asked me what a Kolam is…
Kolam refers to intricate patterns drawn both free handedly and by joining dots. These can be widely seen in the Southern part of India. Women draw this early morning, preferably before Sunrise after cleaning the courtyard. Earlier rice powder was used – it was a means to feed ants and small insects. However, these days, stone powder and even chalk is used. If such powders are used, it is called Pudi Kolam. Sometimes, brick powder will be used as outline on auspicious days, Tuesdays and Fridays. If rice powder is mixed in water and similar patterns are drawn, it is called Maavu/Maa Kolam. In West Bengal, it is called Alpona. In North India, people used rice/stone powders for the outline and fill the patterns with colors. This is called Rangoli.

It is believed that Kolam brings prosperity. It is drawn for almost all the auspicious occasions like marriages and festivals. When someone dies in the household, the family don’t draw any kolam for a year.  

Children in small towns learn the art of making kolam at a very young age. In fact, a girl who knows to draw impeccable and intricate kolam is a pride for the entire family and the village she stays. However, owing to modernization, city life and apartment culture, this art is soon dying.


8 comments:

  1. Very Beautiful . We Call it Rangoli and is considered Very Auspicious .

    Amit lamba
    Amit lamba

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for dropping by... We call it rangoli too if colors are used :)

      Delete
  2. Wow, different and innovative. I wonder if that house like design in the outermost was required - couldn't it have been a square too?

    Destination Infinity

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thats a nice idea... Maybe when I try this, I shall make it a square too :)
      Thanks Rajesh :)

      Delete
  3. Looks like a printed carpet! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete