Wednesday 15 July 2015

Starry Mangoes


A simple star design…
Decorated with beautiful mango motifs…
Steals my heart!
Does it steal yours as well?

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.


12 comments:

  1. This one is really good as it's difficult to get the symmetry right in such a kolam.

    Destination Infinity

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  2. I want to stand up and clap. The lines are so perfect!

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  3. ohh so much specifications in it...certainly not random lines then wow

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  4. ... lovely drawing, L ... I will try and practise on paper ... good thing I'm not in school anymore cuz otherwise the teacher would tell me: Stop doodling, girl ... smiles ... Love, cat.

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  5. Hey..
    Nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award. Love your blogs.
    Check this link
    http://geetika-gupta.blogspot.in/2015/07/my-first-award-versatile-blogger-award.html

    Cheers

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot Geethika... I am really delighted... I shall be posting in my blog soon :)

      Delete