Thursday 3 September 2015

Neli Kolam


A beautiful Neli Kolam it is…
Sometimes no extra decorations are needed…
The dots and well-planned lines are all that is required!

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.


22 comments:

  1. I believe it's a tradition and also a belief that this KOLAM is a beautiful way to welcome the prosperity in our homes.

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  2. Beautiful! Unless the dots are kept in perfect gaps, the kolam will not look good like it is here!

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  3. looks simple but I fell it is quite complex! loved it and thanks for sharing! U r a Koalm Queen :)

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    1. Thats really flattering. I am still learning Ankita.
      Thanks a lot :)

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  4. oh they got different names too..!!!

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  5. I have seen many your posts on Kolam :) that shows your love for them.

    Belated Onam wishes !

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    1. Yes. I absolutely love them. They are a source of instant satisfaction... thanls for the Onam wishes... wish you the same :)

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  6. Beautifully done..it's perfect. Yes, we call it "aalpona" ... :-)

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  7. Beautiful and elegant kolam! The black ground and flour design goes well

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  8. Can you post some border designs as well?

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  9. Serenity prevails in ancient rituals.Nice design.

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