Monday 22 June 2015

Theru Kolam Reloaded


Presenting yet another Theru Kolam..
By my ammaji 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.


14 comments:

  1. It is elaborate and looks nice indeed.

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  2. Wow, looks like Theer set to leave for procession on the street :)

    Destination Infinity

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  3. Kola Radham Purappattathey!

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  4. Somehow I have a special liking for things like Kolam ,Pookkalam etc.

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    1. I have an obsession... So I can understand :)

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  5. Beautiful drawings. Many peoples draw traditional designs that, according to their customs, bring prosperity and well-being to families. Traditions are very diverse.

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  6. This is a real art. Not everyone is capable to do the same. Your drawing sample is very interesting and we can try to repeat the pattern.

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