Tuesday 12 May 2015

Kaathaadi Kolam


Kaathaadi means kite in Tamil.
Don’t you think that the design looks like one?

Thanks to my ammaji – For making this for me!


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.

9 comments:

  1. It won't die.It will come in some other attire.This art indeed is alluring.All the rituals Indians follow have their religious charm on a scientific basis.Nice kiolam your Ammaji has designed for you. Thank you for sharing it here.I love all these items-Kolam,Rangoli,Pookkalam and so on.

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  2. I love Kolams. I am still drawing them on the granite floor in front of our door in our flat...maakkolam, since it wont fly away or get erased by walking.

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    1. I love Maa kolam too... I am so happy that you still make kolam in spite of the space constraint!

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  3. If you had not mentioned, I wouldn't have identified the kite in the Kolam. In a way that's good too, as the theme integrates with the design.

    Destination Infinity

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    1. I just named it as Kite kolam because it looked like that.
      I am not sure about what is the real name of this kolam though :P

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  4. I have admired the people who draw Kolams.. Once I helped a friend during a college fest. It was a very nice experience. Interesting design :)

    A Rat's Nibble

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    1. Thanks a lot rat. I am so glad that you liked my kolam and had enjoyed making one :)

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