Friday 20 March 2015

A Perfect Kolam

This is not by me or my ammaji…
But, by famous Kolam duo in my village.
They are famous for their perfection.
This Kolam vouches that J


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.

16 comments:

  1. Gawd! this looking like a graphic image! the duo is really talented! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Excellent.. Looks like these 2 mamis are very talented.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are!
      Thanks SG!

      PS: What made you conclude that they are mami and not young girls?!

      Delete
    2. I thought talent comes after years of experience. OK. I will give it to you. These 2 beautiful young girls are very talented.

      Delete
    3. Lolz... You were right by the way!

      Delete
  3. Excellent, nice to have show cased their talent.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very well drawn.Practice hones skill though your kolams are also equally good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks GP... I am not as experienced as these duos... Also opportunity to make kolams is also comparatively very less!

      Delete
  5. It is so detailed, amazing talent

    ReplyDelete
  6. Awesome! I loved looking at the perfection in the lines... It seems to be a permanent rangoli...
    TC! Keep smiling :)

    ReplyDelete