Thursday 30 July 2015

Star Kolam


Sometimes…
Simplicity is all that matters…

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.


15 comments:

  1. Lovely, lovely kolam, L !!! ... I have been doodling and practising on paper ... so fun. Love, cat.

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    1. BTW: U r not drawing this in one stroke, r u? ... cuz I could never master that ... c.

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    2. I am very happy that my kolam is inspiring you to try... I am sure that you would do better than I have :)

      And no... its not done in one streak... as you see, I use a powder to draw this... so its not possible to do in one go...

      A tip is... first put the dots and then draw the pattern :)

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  2. Too simple. Maybe even I can draw it. No, I won't attempt it :P

    Destination Infinity

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  3. This is so fun to read:) thanks for sharing your blog is so fun to read. Can we follow each other’s blog to support each other?:) please let me know if you are interested so I can follow your blog back:)

    xoxo
    http://www.theclosetelf.com/

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    1. Thanks for dropping by Hilary...
      I shall surely check your blog :)

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  4. Looks deceptively simple. But it is hell to actually try this particular design, I couldn't even do a decent version on paper.

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    1. It was difficult indeed... I dont know if i would dare to try this again :P

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  5. Kolam is always lovely in look and holy in spirit.

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  6. Nice kolam! Looks easy to draw!

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    Replies
    1. Looks can be deceptive they say :D
      Thanks Sandhya :)

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